A GROUP of Hampshire sports enthusiasts are gearing up for this year's London Marathon when they hope to raise thousands of pounds for a Fareham children's charity.

Three members of Warsash Tennis Club - chairman Ian Stewart, coach Chris Hughes and player Mike Challice - are among the team taking on the challenge in aid of Kids.

Eddie Seaborne is taking part in his fifth London Marathon.

Leigh Hayes, a chief petty officer in the Royal Navy at Portsmouth, ran the marathon for Kids in 2001, raising just under £1,000 and hopes to beat his time and fundraising total next month.

Nigel Craine, based in Portsmouth, decided this was his last attempt at getting a place in the marathon after 14 failed attempts.

Roy Utting, a lieutenant on board Portsmouth warship HMS Newcastle, is attempting his first marathon.

The runners are aiming to raise £1,000 each for the charity to help them continue their lifeline work with disabled children.

Kids, based in Salterns Lane, offers children and parents a mix of fun, learning, friendship and support. The centre, part of Fareham Community Action, encourages children of all abilities to play and learn together.