WORCESTER businesses have made a marathon effort to help raise vital funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

More than 40 firms have signed up to support the fundraising efforts of a team of runners taking part in the London Marathon for the children's charity.

Team member Jenny Matthews who works as an advertising manager for the Evening News, had a little help from her colleagues in the newspaper's sales team who rang round county companies encouraging them to give to a worthy cause.

The sales morning has given the NSPCC team's fund-raising a real boost.

"We had a fantastic response from local businesses.

"They have rallied round and really supported us," said Mrs Matthews, who will be running the marathon for the second time.

NSPCC community app-eals manager, Phil Sharpe, came along to support the fund-raising effort.

Members of the seven-strong NSPCC marathon teamare currently training hard for the gruelling event, which takes place on Sunday, April 13.