JOKER Brian Webster is due to take part in his first London Marathon – dressed as a clown at the age of 70.

Mr Webster, of Litton Cheney near Bridport, is hoping to raise thousands of pounds through sponsorship for the charity Children with Leukaemia.

A keen cyclist – and no stranger to long distance treks either – the retired taxi driver said he has always wanted to take part in the 26-mile race around the capital.

He said: “I’m 70 now and I’ve always wanted to do the London Marathon, so I thought to myself that I actually would do it this year.

“This is the first one that I will have taken part in, and hopefully it will be my last – but not too literally. I think we might call it a bit of a ‘late-life’ crisis really.”

Mr Webster said he wrote to several charities offering to be a fundraising runner, before Children with Leukaemia replied and offered him a place.

He will be running the marathon route alongside other fundraisers for the charity, who will be dressed as Mr Men characters.

Mr Webster said: “I wanted to do it dressed as a clown because it is a ‘fun run’, although I think I’ll be sticking with the other runners that are carrying an extra six kilos in costumes too.

“I’m going to take the race steady and easy on the day and hope that the atmosphere carries me through.

“I always hear from London Marathon runners that the crowds really carry them through and I hope that it works for me too.”

Before retiring, Mr Webster had worked for 26 years as a taxi driver, including some time spent with Weymouth-based Beeline Taxis.

ECHO marathon men Peter Elliott and Harry Hogger are gearing up for the run of their lives.

The news hounds will be travelling to the capital along with runners from our region to take part in the London Marathon on Sunday.

Both Peter, 26, and Harry, 24, are going the distance for children’s charities.

The Children’s Hospice South West is Peter’s chosen cause, while Harry has opted to help Julia’s House hospice in Corfe Mullen.

Sub-editor Peter recently visited the charity’s Little Bridge House hospice in Barnstaple.

He said: “It was a humbling experience because despite being a place where sick children and their families go it is a bright, happy place, full of toys and games and stuff and not at all like a hospital – more like a home really.”

Peter is determined to raise £1,500 for the charity.

Reporter Harry has been heading out on early morning runs and recently took on a gruelling 20-mile run along the Jurassic coastal path in preparation for the big day.

This will be Weymouth resident Harry’s second London Marathon, after crossing the line in 3hrs 18mins in 2006.

He is determined to overcome a niggling back injury to rival his previous finish time.

Harry said: “I had to stop the 20-miler because I was injured but I’m determined to finish in London.

“Marathon-running is addictive – when you finish one you want to do it again. It’s the challenge.

“I’ve been getting plenty of support from my Echo colleagues and have been eating my carbohydrates. I expect I’ll be a bit sore in the office on Monday!”

First-time runner Peter, who lives in Wyke Regis, is looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere. He said: “I think I’m going to be feeling pretty awful at the start-line but once it begins it should be good.

“After this I don’t think I’ll be running another marathon – but who knows? First though I’m looking forward to getting the deep fryer out after existing on a diet of muesli bars.”

To sponsor our Echo boys, visit www.justgiving.com/petesbigrun and www.justgiving.com/harryhogger

POLICEMAN Les Fry is running off to pound the streets of London – for 26.2 miles.

The Section Commander for Dorchester is running the London Marathon on April 26 with PC Kevin Hoff and Kevin’s wife Claire.

Inspector Fry is running to raise money for Julia’s House and the Motor Neurone Disease Association and has set a target of £2,000 for each charity.

He chose the Motor Neurone Disease Association as he has a close relative with the disease.

He said: “It’s a horrible illness and I’ve seen people who had it who were fit and active but died very quickly.

“And in case anyone fears their donation will be spent nationally and they will lose track of it I’ve arranged for all donations to go to the West Dorset Branch.”

Inspector Fry has run the marathon twice before but says this will be his most challenging yet as injury and bad weather put his training back.

PC Hoff and Mrs Hoff are running for Motor Neurone Disease Association and Aid International.

PC Hoff, 39, will also be running his third marathon having completed London before and the Las Vegas marathon.

PC Hoff’s wife Claire, 37, a secretary, is taking on the 26.2 mile run for the first time.

To donate cheques and cash can be given to Inspector Fry at Dorchester police station on Weymouth Avenue.

You can also visit justgiving.com/lesfry or justgiving.com/lesfry1.