A councillor who has jumped out of a plane and run the London Marathon for First Step is set to take on his latest challenge.

Cllr Clarence Barrett, cabinet member for financial management, is running in the Bupa London 10k race in May, after previously raising more than £3,700 for the children’s charity.

He said: “Most of the things I have done have been for First Step and I wanted to continue that.

“I have scaled down a bit on the distances, but I will keep doing what I can.”

For Cllr Barrett, who has also completed activities such as abseiling down Romford YMCA’s building, said his hardest task was running the London Marathon, for which he raised £2,490 in sponsorship.

“It was very tough, but totally unforgettable. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

On why he fundraises for First Step, Cllr Barrett said: “They provide such an essential service for the community and not just for the children, but for the whole family.

“The more people who can help them through sponsorship or raising money themselves, the better it is for the charity.”