A TAUNTON shop owner has found a new lease of life while training for the London Marathon.

Les Harding, 41, of Limited Additions on St James Street says he has never felt better since deciding to take part in the challenging event in aid of Asthma UK.

And he will be running the race in a Gazette t-shirt.

He said: "It will be my first marathon and I have been training since June.

"I started off doing a mile and a half and it started to go very well. I have now run 13 and a half miles already."

After completing the Taunton 10k in September, Les unfortunately got shin splints when out running the next day.

But he is now fighting fit and looking forward to the big day.

"I am hoping to complete the London Marathon in five hours, I am pretty confident.

"I have had Asthma all my life, but since I have been running I have not needed my medication.

"It has totally changed my life."

He is aiming to raise £3,000 and has collected an impressive £1,500 already.

Two of his suppliers gave £250 each and a friend, Brian Haines, gave £250.

Les added: "I cannot believe the generosity of people."

Limited Additions will be holding a raffle in the beginning April to raise more funds, with tickets on sale from the shop for £1.

There are 20 gifts up for grabs, including a signed Tom Baker picture (Dr Who) and some top-of-the-range binoculars.