TWO Hampshire vicars are getting out their sports kits and preparing to raise cash for charity.

The Rev Stephen Girling, of Holy Rood Church in Stubbington, and the Rev Jeremy Dussek, from Holy Trinity with St Columba Church in Fareham, are both taking part in fundraisers for charity.

Mr Girling is preparing to cycle from London to Paris for the National Autistic Society next month, then two days later Mr Dussek is running the London Marathon for the Rainbow Centre in Fareham.

So over the next few weeks both men will be working up a sweat on the streets around Fareham getting in their last few hours of training.

Mr Girling, said: "I have always been keen to cycle wherever I can because it's good exercise and better for the environment. At the moment I'm managing 50 miles a day, but going from London to Paris will be about 260 miles. I am confident I can make it." The cycle ride lasts three days and will see 40 cyclists passing through Newhaven, Dieppe and finishing under the Eiffel Tower.

But back on British soil and two days into the journey, his co-worker, Mr Dussek, will be out on the streets of London taking part in the marathon.

He is one of several runners taking part in the race for the Rainbow Centre, which helps children with cerebral palsy.

Mr Dussek, pictured left, said: "The Rainbow Centre is one of the Mayor of Fareham's charities for 2005/06 and I am the Mayor's chaplain. I believe it is important to support local charities and our communities. Hopefully every step I take along the 26 miles will be a step that helps the children."

To sponsor either man visit www. justgiving.com/stephengirling or www. justgiving/ jeremydussek or call Mr Dussek on 01329 843705.