THIS year's London Marathon promises to be a real family affair for Nina Payne when she is supported in her first marathon by father Barrie Breckell.

Nina, 25, of Dryden Street, Clayton-le-Moors, is a member of Accrington Road Runners Club, and will run as part of the Barnardo's team, hoping to raise £1,500 for the charity.

This is the third time Nina has applied to take part in the marathon, and her determination was so great she started training long before she was accepted to join the Barnardo's team.

Barrie will accompany her in the marathon, lending his support and experience in long-distance running, having ran the event six years ago for the Castle Lung Cancer charity.

Nina, who works at B and M Longworth's Shadsworth plant on Blackburn as a business services manager, said: "Without my father's support I may have never got this far, but with it on April 22 I will achieve my ambition and complete a marathon."

Anyone wanting the make a donation to Nina's fundraising can contact her on 01254 680501, or pledge online at www.paynebarrier.org.uk