STOCKTON Heath bobby Andy Wallace will be putting his best foot forward to help needy children in the London Marathon this weekend.

The father of two has spent the past few months in a gruelling training schedule to prepare him for the big race on Sunday.

And he is hoping to beat his current record of three hours and 40 minutes in his third marathon to raise at least £500 for the Boys' and Girls' Welfare Society, a charity which helps disabled and underprivileged children, based in the north west.

The 28-year-old officer was supposed to be running head to head with colleague PC Tony White, but he was forced out of the race through injury.

But PC Stuart Eales, who has been training Andy will be going along with him to the race on Sunday.

He said: "All the police here at Stockton Heath wish him all the best, and his wife and children will be cheering him on at home. He has got a lot of history chasing people here so I think that should help!"

Anyone who would like to sponsor Andy can call 652222.