TWO young brothers preparing for this year's London Marathon have put out a plea for sponsorship.

Fitness fanatics Martin and Stuart Wagner, of Belmont, are currently training hard for the 26 mile event on May 31.

But they are aiming to raise a total of £3,000 for the Royal National Institute for the Deaf and have asked for further help from the public.

The brothers have already received support from Makinson Newsagents, on Chorley Old Road, which is holding a raffle, with prizes including a subscription to the Bolton Evening News for a year and a giant Easter egg.

Canon Slade School pupil Stuart, aged 18, said: "We have raised £1,300 so far through generous donations, which is brilliant.

"We have been selling badges to raise the money, but we would feel a lot happier if we could go to the marathon with £3,000, so if anybody would like to donate or sponsor us, then it would be much appreciated."

Although such a distance would be daunting for many, the pair are seasoned pros at these events, having already run in the Great North Run, in Newcastle.

Self-employed joiner, Martin, aged 21, added: "It was a brilliant, once-in-a-lifetime achievement doing the Great North Run, something that I am really proud to have done.

"But this is an amazing event and we are taking it extremely seriously."

The pair are undergoing an intensive training regime to build up their stamina for the event.

Anyone who would like to sponsor the brothers should call 01204 652833.