A STOURPORT soldier is putting the finishing touches to his preparation for a fund-raising run in the Flora London Marathon after starting his endurance training deep in the Afghan desert.

It will be the first time Jason Mantle, who is running in aid of children's charity, Phab-kids, has tackled the course.

The warrant officer, who serves in 12 Engineer Group, was posted to Afghanistan in December and spent four months in Kandahar.

Mr Mantle, father to eight-year-old Kyle and six-month-old Josh, spent hours in the camp gym to get in shape.

He explained: "The biggest problem I had with training outside was the terrain. It was dusty and there were potholes and stones."

Servicemen from around the world have already raised £180 after throwing their loose change of varying currencies into buckets strategically placed around the site.

The former Harry Cheshire School student joined the forces in 1989. His fiance, Mel Shaw, is making the trip to London.

The 34-year-old, who was a member of Stourport Athletics Club and represented Hereford and Worcester in hurdle events as a schoolboy, is keeping his fingers crossed for April 23.

He added: "I have always wanted to have a go and have failed to get a place twice before.

"I have set myself a target time of four hours. If I make that, I will be chuffed but as long as I get around I do not really mind."

Phabkids is a national charity that brings together disabled and able bodied youngsters on equal terms.

Anyone wishing to support Mr Mantle's cause can either ring 0797 6452197 or e-mail jlmantle@hotmail.com