A NOVICE New Forest runner is preparing to take part in his first race - the London Marathon.

Tony Noon is starting at the top after reading about the Royal Blind Society (RBS) in the Daily Echo and its sister paper, the New Forest Post.

RBS members are urging people to raise funds for the charity by running in the London Marathon on April 17.

Tony, of Elm Crescent, Hythe, decided to enter - even though he has never taken part in a long-distance race.

"I saw the article appealing for runners and thought I would give it a go," said the 34-year-old father-of-three.

"I started training even before I heard that my entry had been accepted.

"I go for a ten-mile run once a week and take one-and-a-half hours, which is faster than I need to.

"I will gradually increase the distance over the next few weeks, but won't take part in any races before the London Marathon."

Tony hopes to raise a substantial amount for the RBS, which supports blind and partially sighted people across the UK by giving them grants and helping them to go away on holiday.

Anyone who wants to sponsor him should send cheques made out to the Royal Blind Society to 103 Elm Crescent, Hythe, Hants SO45 3PQ.