THE Spa's very own 'Marathon Man' is pulling on his running shoes again after a break because of injury.

Ashley Philbrick, of Hawthorne Walk, kicked of a rigorous training regime on Monday because he is hoping to take part in the Great North Run in October.

The 57-year-old, who has competed in marathons in London, New York, Athens and Dublin, will be raising money for Droitwich Spa Challengers, a group for people with learning difficulties, and Worcester's St Richard's Hospice.

Ashley has been out with knee and ankle injuries for the last two years but is raring to go for what he describes as the best half marathon in the world.

More than 40,000 people take part in the annual race from Newcastle to South Shields.

Ashley, who has been running marathons for more than 20 years, will be knocking on doors in the area in the next few weeks.

He said: "If I knock on your door please put a little in the tin."

Ashley is being made redundant on Friday after 27 years at Battenfeld Gloucester, on the Berry Hill Industrial Estate, but the company has agreed to pay his expenses.

Other sponsors can call him on (01905) 779037.