A Bradford doctor has joined a team of medics to take part in the London marathon and raise money to fight heart disease.

Stepping out alongside GP Kevin Jackson, 40, of Carr Bottom Road, Greengates, will be former EastEnders actress Lucy Benjamin, who played Lisa.

She is heading Team Flora, a group of 40 doctors and medical staff from the across the UK. Dr Jackson and the rest of the group will all be raising money for the British Heart Foundation.

Dr Jackson said: "It will give us an extra kick in our steps running alongside her."

This is the first time Dr Jackson, who works at New Croft Surgery, Broadgate Lane, Horsforth, has taken part in a marathon and he has been in training since December.

And a Bradford teacher is to take on the "challenge of a lifetime" when he attempts to run the marathon.

It is a first marathon for Bryn Llewellyn, the deputy head teacher at Grove House Primary School, Bolton, Bradford, who has completed ten kilometre and half-marathon distances before.

Mr Llewellyn, 39, who has also taught at Swain House, Oakworth and Clayton schools, said: "To run in the London Marathon is a challenge of a lifetime for me.

"I have always said that I would like to run a marathon before I reached 40 and that date is fast approaching."

Mr Llewellyn, who lives in Heaton, will be running the race to raise money for Oxfam.

Dr Jackson said: "Team Flora has given us training tips and advice," he said. "I have been going out four times a week and playing squash."

He added: "Everyone at the surgery has been a great support. We have a large patient list and there have been some very generous donations already.

"I have about £500 and I am hoping to raise even more. I hope to do it in about four-and-a-half hours, any quicker than that and I will be pleased."

Actress Lucy Benjamin said: "Training has been tough, especially through the winter months.

"When it's cold and raining the last thing you want to do is go for a run but now I just can't wait for the start of the race.

"I'm really looking forward to running along side Kevin and the rest of Team Flora and I wish him every success."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Mr Llewellyn for Oxfam is asked to e-mail LlewellynBryn@aol.com or ring 07947 127616.

The Bradford runners will join the other 32,000 entrants for Sunday's 26.2 mile race.