HE is 62 years old, but that won't stop Ernie Huck pulling on his running shorts and taking part in the London Marathon this weekend.

Ernie, from Newton-on-Ouse, near Easingwold, said this will be his 14th consecutive marathon in the capital. "It doesn't get any easier as the years roll by," he said.

"I keep fit. I'm a member of Thirsk And Sowerby Harriers and train every Wednesday evening throughout the year. I also do fell-racing on the North York Moors."

Ernie said his best time in the London Marathon was three hours, nine minutes, which he achieved when he was 59, but he doesn't expect to match that this Sunday.

"I am not running as well this year after losing a lot of fitness. I would like to get just under three hours, 30 minutes. That would give me automatic qualification for next year's London Marathon."

Asked how many more years he hoped to carry on taking part in the race, he said: "I will keep running as long as my legs keep going."

Ernie plans to raise money this time for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, having been inspired by its rescue of local schoolgirl Charlotte Leighton just over a year ago.

Charlotte, 11, was flown by helicopter to hospital in Leeds after suffering severe facial injuries in a road accident near her home in Tollerton.

Charlotte's parents were convinced she would have died but for the air ambulance.

They subsequently launched a major fund-raising campaign, which has since collected many thousands of pounds for the charity.

Ernie said: "It is excellent to be able to raise money for a charity that saved a local girl's life.

"No one will ever anticipate having to use the services of the Air Ambulance but, sadly, you never know when you may need it, so it's so important that we all contribute to keep it going."

Ernie said he was hoping to raise up to £2,000 through his run, with £1,200 pledged so far - including an individual cheque for £500 from one generous well-wisher.


Steam' effort from penguin man Russell

A LONDON Marathon runner will be looking to get up a head of steam when he takes part wearing a "penguin-cum-steam cleaner" costume.

Russell Hirst, 47, who lives in Harrogate but works at London York in Foss Islands Road, York, will be donning the unusual fancy dress outfit.

On Sunday, he will wear the strange garb for his fifth consecutive appearance in the marathon.

He is running in aid of the Electrical And Electronics Industries Benevolent Association, for which his friend is an ambassador. The organisation helps people like local electricians who have fallen on hard times. His costume this year resembles a product called the Penguin Steam Cleaner. The costume was made by Janet Hull, of Cloth Performance Costumes, at Sheriff Hutton.

If it had not been for the costume, Mr Hirst would not be running.

He said: "Last year I thought enough is enough'.

"When you're knackered and it's at 19 miles you think I'm not doing it again, it's ridiculous'.

"The only time I decided I would do it again is if I was going for a time or in some sort of fancy dress.

"I've never done a great time and I've no chance with this but I'll get round and it will be fun...probably."