THE former Mayor of Ilminster will be taking part in the London Marathon next month.

Roger Swann, 65, is hoping to complete the 26.2-mile course in about four-and-a-half-hours.

The Crewkerne Running Club member said his training is going well ahead of the event on April 13.

He is raising money for local youth groups including girl guides, scouts and cubs.

He said: “During my time in office I raised money for older people’s facilities at Vaughan Lee House, so this year I thought I would raise money for people at the other end of the age scale.

“I am aiming it at specific uniformed youth groups who I feel do not receive any central funding and have to do things on their own, so I want to back a worthy cause.”

Roger ran 21 miles on Sunday as part of his final preparation for the London Marathon, which attracts about 35,000 runners of all abilities.

Roger, who sits on Ilminster Town Council, said if he gets his second wind and manages a time under four hours, he would join an elite runners group for his age category.