IT is on your marks, get set and go for one Preston pensioner who is gearing up to run his ninth Flora London marathon for charity.

Brian Cottam, 67, is putting his running shoes on for Baby Beat, a charity based in the maternity unit at Sharoe Green Hospital.

Mr Cottam, who started his training in January is now on his fourth run for the Preston charity after a friend's recommendation more than five years ago.

He said: "I've seen the work that they did with money I've raised before and it really is wonderful.

"I am one of the lucky ones. I have two healthy daughters, a son and six grandchildren.

"But there are people out there who aren't so lucky.

"I know I would want the best and with more money they will continue to provide their great service."

Brian started running more than 15 years ago when he did the 20 mile walk from Canterbury Hall, Garstang Road, Preston, to Lancaster.

"It was all a bit of a joke really.

"I was a member of a Catholic club who were taking six children to Lourdes.

"They asked me if I wanted to do a little walk," he said.

"I ran instead of walking. Some people had chosen only to do part of the race and by the time they were getting dropped off at the halfway mark I was running past them. It was great."

Since that day he has run many marathons and half-marathons for different charities, including St Catherine's Hospice and Elm Street Street School, Blackpool Road.

"I nearly started crying when I saw the kids," said Brian. "They all wanted to see my medal and try it on. They were so excited."

Brian, who is married to Fiona, said: "I don't think I would bother getting involved in this type of thing if it was just for myself.

"I want to do it for someone that's going to benefit."

He hopes to smash his quickest time of three hours and twenty minutes and wants to raise more than his previous totals of £600.

Regulars at two of Brian's local pubs, the New Ship Inn, Watery Lane and the Fylde Tavern, Fylde Road, are encouraging people to sponsor him by putting sponsorship forms in their bars.

He said: "I really hope I can raise a substantial amount of money and I am looking forward to seeing how the money I raise will be used."

The money raised will go towards new equipment and services for the unit to help new born babies get the best start in life.