TWO Clitheroe neighbours - nicknamed "the fat birds" by bingo-playing pals - have given up chips and fags to prepare for next year's London Marathon.

Amanda Townsend, 32, and Karen Brayshaw, 40, both of Siddows Avenue, have watched the 26-mile race on TV for years. Now they've decided to get enter it themselves, saying people are never too fat to get fit.

And the fitness drive has already paid off. Karen, who works for Ribble Valley Community Transport, has given up smoking 20 cigarettes a day and has shrunk from size 28 to 18, while Amanda, who weighs 21stone has shed 10lbs in four weeks' training.

Amanda, who plays bingo with Karen at Blackburn's Gala club, said: "The 'fat birds' nickname offends some people, who think it's disgusting. But I don't mind. I know I'm fat. It's time to do something about it."

They each hope to raise at least £2,000 for a good cause, likely to be the Marie Curie cancer charity, and are seeking sponsorship from Ribble Valley folk.

The pair are now walking or jogging together for up to six miles a day and are following a fitness programme set by a personal trainer at a local gym.

Amanda said: "We started off exercising by walking two miles a day. And we've just begun doing a little jogging. We're both starting to feel fantastic. I get a real buzz after exercise and wake up feeling really good."

Amanda's children, 10-year-old twins Lisa and Megan, and Carla, 12, join them on walks, as do Karen's kids Adam, 12, and Carla, 16. Amanda has ditched fatty food, snacks and sweets for healthier meals and has even got husband Andrew to follow the new menu.

She said: "I used to eat a bacon and sausage sandwich for breakfast, a sausage roll or pie at 11am, chips and gravy for dinner, crisps and biscuits at 3pm, pie and chips for tea, and sweets and crisps for supper. I'd spend £3 a night on sweets, mainly pick 'n' mix or penny sweets, so my diet is saving me a fortune."

Karen added: "The first time we walked we were really tired. I was puffing and panting after 10 minutes. But stopping smoking is great and I'm determined to do the London Marathon."

To sponsor the pals call 01200 428546 or 07763 581587.