HAIRDRESSER Brian Hughes is getting in trim to run his seventh London Marathon dressed as Paddington Bear.

Brian, 49, who owns Brian's Hair Fashions, in South Bank Avenue, York, will be raising cash for the charity Action Research in tomorrow's event.

Brian, 49, said: "This is my 17th London Marathon and my seventh as Paddington Bear. I am hoping to raise as much as possible and am really looking forward to it."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Brian should contact him on 01904 656427.

Tens of thousands of runners are preparing to tackle the marathon, with up to half amillion people expected to turn out on the capital's streets to watch.

Updated: 10:30 Saturday, April 13, 2002