NEW Gazette and Herald reporter Patrick Mclean has agreed to run next year's London Marathon to help Wiltshire Sight, which is based in Devizes.

Patrick, 22, has accepted an offer of the charity's allocated place for a runner in the event next April - only a few weeks' after joining the Gazette's staff.

"Already in training, I am aiming to finish the marathon in a good time and raise £2,000 by next April," he said.

The charity, in Bath Road, Devizes, works to help those with partial or no sight to live and perform day to day activities, as well as offering support and advice to anyone who is affected by sight loss.

Jo Young, fundraising manager at Wiltshire Sight, said: “I am delighted that we have secured a Silver Bond place in the Virgin Money London Marathon and that Patrick is keen to run for us.

"This is not only a great opportunity for us to raise much needed money for Wiltshire Sight but to also raise awareness to people within the Wiltshire and Swindon community about how sight loss can affect people living the life they choose.

"Patrick has already started his training and with the support of friends, family and Gazette and Herald readers, I know he will feel truly amazing when he crosses that finishing line.”

To donate you can visit http://www.wiltshiresight.org/ and click on the Virgin moneygiving side bar or alternatively visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserPage.action?userUrl=PatrickMclean1&pageUrl=2