A 47-year-old rugby player is taking part in a 60-mile run to raise money for the Personal Award for Excellence Association (PAWE).

David Lewis, who is chairman of PAWE, will be running the Fellsman Hike next month .

And already the postman has attracted almost £500 in sponsorship from friends, work colleagues and fellow rugby players.

David, who plays for Keighley Town, said: "I'm a novice. I have decided to do this as a bit of an achievement and it is something to raise some money. It's a personal task."

Having just recovered from a broken arm in action for Keighley Town, David is currently in training on three fronts -- as part of his job, his return to the Keighley Town side and other running. Last month he completed a 10-mile run along Bront Way in approximately 70 minutes.

He decided to enter this year's event, which is organised by Keighley Scouts Service Team, on the advice of a friend.

The gruelling race, which runs from Ingleton to Threshfield in the Yorkshire Dales, attracts more than 200 entries each year.

David added: "I'm looking forward to it but it will be hard."

He wanted to raise more than £2,000 towards PAWE's annual trip to Ambleside Youth Hostel, in the Lake District.

On the trip 60 youngsters from schools across Keighley, Bradford and Huddersfield, who have made a difference in their community, take part in a week of outdoor pursuits and water sports.

Supported by Keighley Police, Keighley Cougars, local schools, Bradford Council and various bodies in the voluntary sector, August's expedition will be the 11th trip.

To sponsor David in his challenge, people can contact him on 01535 210408 or Matt Foster at Cougar Park on 01535 213111.