A BIG-hearted policeman is to run a "mini-marathon" in his uniform to help raise money for a boy who has been diagnosed with brain cancer.

Traffic constable Paul Stephenson is planning to run from Gillamoor to Fadmoor later this month.

All the money he raises will go towards helping ten-year-old Lee McClaren.

The Kirkbymoorside Primary School pupil overcame the condition three years ago, but last year doctors detected that a brain tumour had returned and Lee is currently undergoing treatment.

"My children go to the same school as Lee and I thought it would be a nice gesture to get involved in raising some money for him," said PC Stephenson.

"The money will hopefully be enough to give Lee a real treat, it'll be up to him to decide what he wants to do, whether that's a trip abroad or anything."

The distance between the two villages is about ten kilometres and PC Stephenson is hoping to raise money by gathering in sponsorship from his work colleagues and friends.

"I thought it would quite unusual for someone to do a run like that in full uniform," he said.

"I won't even be doing it in trainers, I'll be wearing the boots I wear to work every day.

"It'll be a bit tough but I'm sure I'll be able to do it no problem, I'm sure I'll be fit enough."

Accompanying the kind-hearted constable will be Lee's headmaster, Chris Knowles, and Tony Riby, the landlord of the King's Head Pub, in Kirkbymoorside.

Updated: 11:57 Monday, April 22, 2002