A LONG Lee man who embarked on a bid to lose weight last year is tackling the London Marathon.

Shaun Roberts is taking on the April 23 event in support of the Salvation Army.

"My day job was taking up all my spare time and I needed an outlet," says Shaun, a funeral director with the Co-op in Keighley.

"I'm almost 55 years old and thought being overweight was par for the course, but since receiving my London Marathon place I've been running the area's streets.

"I have now lost nearly four stones."

He has set up an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/fundraising/shaun-roberts6, to boost help for the Salvation Army, which has seen soaring demand for its services during the cost-of-living crisis.

Shaun adds: "I'd like to say a massive 'thank you' to everyone who has donated so far, and thanks in advance to anyone who feels able to give."