CELEBRITY chef Paul Heathcote is appealing for people to back his marathon fund-raising efforts in London this weekend.

Paul, who owns a string of restaurants, including his first in Higher Road, Longridge, will run his first marathon in 21 years.

He is running in aid of Childline, and wants diners at his restaurants to log on to the internet to support him.

He said: "This is only my second marathon, however I have distinct advantage that my father was an extremely good long distance runner and was in health and fitness for the best part of 35 years.

"I will be using that experience this year."

People can log on to www.justgiving.com/paulheathcote to join the other people who have so far raised around £700 in on-line donations.