A councillor will be running the London Marathon to raise money for a local children’s charity.

Cllr Clarence Barrett, leader of the Residents’ Association, is hoping to raise �1,000 for First Step, a Hornchurch charity that provides support and services for children with learning difficulties and their families.

Cllr Barrett said: “I have not set myself a time to beat, but simply to finish the course on the same day it starts.”

To support Cllr Barrett, visit www.justgiving.com/clarence-barrett.