FUND-raiser John Francis completed the London Marathon in eight hours, 15 minutes -- wearing a suit of armour weighing more than five stones.

Together with running pal Paul Fleming, he raised around £3,000 for the Whizz-Kidz children's charity. Now John, from Jericho, Bury, is preparing for his next venture in July -- a trip from John O'Groats to Land's End in a rebuilt Citroen 2CV -- and is on the lookout for sponsorship.

He is also offering two free tickets for this weekend's Oulton Park Touring Car race meeting in a draw, which includes the chance to ride round the circuit.

People need to send in a cheque for £1 payable to the charity "Whizz Kidz" with their name and contact number on the back. One will be drawn out of a hat on Friday to win the pair of tickets. Cheques should be sent to John Francis, 26 Woodgate Avenue, Jericho, Bury.

John, who is chairman of the Dayz of Funder Motorsport Club, said their annual fund-raising track day will be held on Friday, August 6, at the Three Sisters Racing Circuit in Wigan. Anyone wanting further information can contact John on 07879-600299.