THE vicar of Great Ayton, a self-styled "out-of-condition country parson", will be absent from church on the Sunday of the Great North Run.

The Rev Paul Peverell will swap his pulpit to pound 13 miles in a half mara-thon to raise money to aid cerebral palsy sufferers. "For many children born with cerebral palsy, just walking to the corner of the road can be as hard as it will be for me running 13 miles," he said.

The vicar has first-hand knowledge as his own son, David, was born with the condition. Now aged seven, he uses a walking frame to get about.

"However, my wife, Karen, and I are extremely thankful he can attend the local school and take part in the normal curriculum and be with children of his own age," he added.

The vicar will be joined by Great Ayton resident, Mr Bob Hindle, who will tackle the run - on Sunday, October 22 - thankful he can walk and run again following an horrific accident.

Two years ago, he fell from a ladder and broke his back in two places. Surgeons operated, bolted and welded the bones, and Mr Hindle, aged 66, is up and running again. He is raising money for Butterwick children's hospice. "My heart goes out to children and their families who are in this situation and I would like to support the work to give them as much peace, tranquillity and dignity as possible in their anguish," he said.

Mr Peverell discovered through his own family experiences that there is no facility at present in the North of England for a particular kind of monitoring for children with cerebral palsy that would improve the success rate of surgery. Families often have to travel long distances to obtain an investigation.

"The good news is that a place has been found to lodge a facility at the Freeman hospital in Newcastle, but funds are needed to equip it," he said.

Doctors there have launched an appeal, and Mr Peverell will give it his sponsor money. To support the vicar, ring him on 01642 722333

Mr Hindle, who was nursed back to fitness by his wife, Joan, has been sponsored for £50 by Great Ayton workingmen's club. Individual members also more than doubled this sum. He can be contacted on 01642 723493.

Other Great Ayton people will also do the run for a variety of good causes.