A NORTH Yorkshire fitness fanatic is putting his image on the line this weekend when he takes part in the Great North Run.

Muscle-bound 46-year-old Paul Stainthorp, of Middleton Tyas, works out every day to keep in trim and it shows.

But it's not a macho cause which will benefit on Sunday; every step he takes on the 13.1-mile half-marathon will help pump cash into Richmond rabbit sanctuary, Bunny Burrows.

"I didn't have to be persuaded,'' said Paul, a painter and decorator. "I decided I would help when I called to give a quote for some work. I'm just so impressed with what they do."

The refuge, which expects to achieve charitable status this month, was established three years ago by former shoe factory worker, Gwen Butler.

This year alone, it has helped rescue nearly 270 rabbits, 143 guinea pigs, four rats, six hamsters, seven chinchillas and a cockatoo. But the hutches are still full and a network of eight foster homes has been set up around the region to offer temporary homes to abandoned pets.

However, the vet's bill can still be about £600 a month and Gwen is hoping Paul's run will help ease the burden.

She said: "We don't sell the rabbits on. I couldn't bear to do that. All we ask is that the people who come to us are offering a genuine home and that they're not looking for a pet on a whim. Of course, donations are welcome but we leave that up to the individual."

Paul's run on Sunday has already raised more than £100, with much of the money coming from friends in the painting and decorating trade.

He admitted: "I've had to take some stick from them - some have even suggested I do the course with a couple of big, fluffy ears strapped to my head. But they've been good about sponsoring me and I just hope I can raise a bit more money. I'm not an experienced marathon runner, but it is a challenge and I'm looking forward to it.''