SUPERMARKET worker Peter Molloy will cut a familiar figure when he takes part in next week's London Marathon dressed as Rupert the Bear.

Peter, a section manager at Tesco in Chineham, will tackle the gruelling 26-mile slog to raise money for research into muscular dystrophy - the condition afflicting his 16-year-old son, Sam.

Peter hopes to raise £600 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign by getting friends, colleagues and customers at Tesco to sponsor him.

Sam has been the driving force behind his dad making the decision to take on the marathon challenge.

"He is very keen," said Peter. "What it means to him is it helps with research to find a cure and helps buy things like an electric chair and a wheelchair that he needs."

The last time Peter ran the marathon was two years ago when he covered the course in three hours 36 minutes.

This time he is aiming to finish in less than three-and-a-half hours.

Peter, from Bracknell, has been running 55 miles a week as training but still said he is going to need to take some jelly beans from his employer's store to help him reach the finish line.

He explained: "You are only meant to have enough energy to run 18 miles and jelly beans give you that extra boost!"