A KEIGHLEY restaurant owner who set himself the challenge of completing at least 50 long distance road races in 12 months is preparing for another series of gruelling runs.

Syed Ahmed, 50, who owns Moghuls on the Rocks, began this demanding feat in August 2017 to raise money for a charity called Penny Appeal, to support an orphanage in Pakistan.

And he is running these races despite contending with a spinal condition called ankylosing spondylitis.

Among the events he has done so far have been the New York Marathon and the Bradford Half Marathon.

Coming up on his itinerary is a half marathon at Temple Newsam on January 14, then a cluster of half marathons next month in Bolton Abbey, Stockport, Liversedge and Alton Park.

During this year's holy Muslim month of Ramadan, due to start on June 14, he intends to run 10 kilometres each day of the month, even while fasting.

He has set himself a target of raising £50,000 by the time he finishes in August this year.

Mr Ahmed, who lives in Haworth, said his health has deteriorated recently, as his condition is exacerbated by cold weather. But he has no intention of giving up.

"I've been doing long distance running for nearly 10 years," he said. "My health has got worse in that time, but you've got to carry on, otherwise you'll shrivel up and life will pass you by.

"I have more good days than bad days. Sometimes I can run for 15 to 20 miles with no issues whatsoever."

People can visit justgiving.com/fundraising/syeds50 to donate to his appeal.