FOOTSORE vicars Ian Brown and David Ottley are revving up for a mammoth charity effort - pounding the streets in the Manchester Marathon.

The two clergymen will be swapping their dog collars for running shoes as they take part in the gruelling 26.2 mile event next Sunday.

The marathon is a chance for Halliwell vicar the Rev Ian Brown to say a special thank-you to children's hospice Francis House in Manchester.

The Rainbow Trust, which will be the main beneficiary from his effort, provided vital care for the vicar's 16-year-old son, Daniel who died of heart problems two years ago.

Rev Brown, vicar at St Paul's Church, Halliwell, said: "It is a chance for me to thank the hospice. The Rainbow Trust's Francis House looked after my son for the last week of his life. They made his time there very special indeed."

Rev Brown, aged 48, has become a familiar sight to people in Smithills and Halliwell during his five-nights-a-week training routine round the streets of the area.

"We will be a familiar sight to everyone now. My dog, Marvin, has been with me every step of the way but unfortunately he can't enter the marathon!" Rev Brown added.

He will be joined on the Heaton Park starting line next Sunday by fellow clergyman the Rev David Ottley of St Thomas's Church, Halliwell.

Rev Ottley, a governor at St Thomas's School, will be raising cash for his church and the school and will be joined by congregation member, Gill Morris.

Rev Ottley, a veteran of several ultra-marathon walks for charity, has been running 30 miles a week. He said: "I don't have a personal target in which to do the marathon. I think the achievement is in just doing it."

Anyone who would like to sponsor either of the intrepid pair can contact Ian Brown on Bolton 495038 or David Ottley on Bolton 841731.

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