A team of doctors, nurses and clerical staff have their sights set on the finishing post of a big charity race.

The medics - some of whom have never run seriously before - are planning to take part in the 13-mile Great North Run in September.

Ishtiyak Mahomed, a surgeon at Bradford Royal Infirmary, has encouraged his team to put on their running shoes and pound the pavements in preparation.

Mr Mahomed, an eye surgeon specialising in retinal surgery, is hoping to raise up to £10,000 for the Bradford and Airedale Eyesight Trust, to help buy surgical equipment for carrying out operations to treat conditions such as cataracts.

But orthoptist Louise Mulley will take most of the blame for getting the runners - from the Eye and Ear, Nose and Throat Unit - in gear.

Miss Mulley, whose job includes treating eye movement problems and children's squints, said she was inspired by a friend who completed last year's mass run in Gateshead.

"I came in and asked if anyone was interested in taking part this year and 20 people put their hands up," Louise said. "It's a great challenge and a great way to get fit, too."

But for some, preparing for the Great North Run, in Newcastl,e will be a real test because they have never even run before, let alone taken part in a half marathon.

Mr Mahomed said: "The doctors are the ones we have to worry about the most, they are not the fittest!

"And most of those taking part haven't even run before. Some of the nurses are buying their first ever trainers for running in."

Now the team of dedicated joggers are getting into gear for the event by starting their own unofficial running club. Six or seven of them meet regularly in Lister Park at weekends to practice together.

But the cause is very dear to the surgeon's heart: "Seven years ago, when I joined as a retinal surgeon, the charity bought a lot of my equipment for me and I thought it was time to put something back."

The charity often relied on bequests from former patients and others but he wanted to help provide some assistance.

"The charity does a lot of good, and I am trying to get the department aware of the fund and get the staff a bit more active," he said.

Miss Mulley said the whole team were benefiting from this unusual bit of socialising: "The camaraderie is really nice and it is great to do something out of work time that benefits work.

"Normally, the department is so busy sometimes we just fly in and treat someone and have to fly off again without the chance to sit down and have a chat but this has been very good to get to know each other better," she said.