A baker who only took up running three months ago is hoping to rise to the challenge when he takes part in his first London Marathon.

Paul Lockwood has been chosen from 19,000 applicants to join Flora's 250-strong team of first time marathon runners who are aiming to raise £1 million for the Princess Diana Memorial Fund.

Mr Lockwood, 44, who lives at Allerton and works in Wilsden, said: "Until I got my place in the London Marathon I'd never even run for a bus before and haven't done any sport since I was at school.

"But Flora were advertising for people to run in their team and I applied.

"I've been in training since Christmas and clocking up about 50 miles a week."

Mr Lockwood is running most days and his longest effort so far in preparation for the 26-miler on Sunday, April 26, is 16 miles.

He added: "I was working in Skipton for a while and was running between there and home but I'm not going to do more than 16 miles until the day.

"I've changed my diet to cut down on fatty foods and eat more carbohydrates. I've got no time target - I just want to finish it. It's something I'm really looking forward to.''

Mr Lockwood aims to raise at least £1,000 in sponsorship.

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