TWO running colleagues will be crossing the line together at next month's Tees Valley Half Marathon.

But the photo finish will not be because of their matched running abilities - it is the bond between blind athlete 67-year-old Joe Elsender and his "eyes" coach, 73-year-old Brian Reekie.

Despite being blind, Mr Elsender has competed in 18 Great North Runs and will run the Redcar event after an absence of 15 years.

He said: "Brian has taken me under his wing, and he's been absolutely fantastic. He's brilliant, a real character, and keeps me going."

Their partnership was created at Chester-le-Street and District Athletic Club, in County Durham.

Mr Reekie said: "When we run, we chat. The only physical contact is when we come to a kerb or a pothole, and Joe takes hold of my arm and away we go. He says it's given him a new lease of life."

The half marathon, organised by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, will be on Sunday, March 12, when about 1,000 runners will take part.

Entry is £12.50 for club runners, £14.50 for unattached, with a closing date of February 28. There will be a limited number of late entries allowed on the day.

For more information, or an application form, visit www.redcar-cleveland.gov.uk