NSPCC chief executive Peter Wanless is set to face the Somerset County Cricket Club bowling attack as part of a charity challenge in aid of ChildLine.

Peter, who is a lifelong supporter and committee member of Somerset County Cricket Club, will be taking to the wicket as part of a series of challenges in aid of ChildLine ahead of this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon.

It comes as the NSPCC, which is the official charity partner of the London Marathon, urges its runners to step up their fundraising ahead of the 26.2mile race on April 24.

Over the next few weeks Peter will be taking part in a series of challenges in an effort to raise as much money as he can for ChildLine.

Already well on the way to getting 26 shameless celebrity selfies, baking his first cake since school and selling slices dressed as Father Christmas and 26 minutes of intensive questioning from young people, his latest challenge will be facing up to 30 balls from the Somerset bowling attack in the nets on February 8.

Firing down a few deliveries at Peter, who describes himself as "a novice at best", will be the bowlers from Somerset County Cricket Club.

He will face one ball for each of up to 30 supporters who are willing to sponsor this challenge. “I can’t wait to help my beloved Somerset County Cricket Club attack bowl themselves into wicket-taking form,” said Peter Wanless.

“I have supported Somerset County Cricket Club all my life and always wanted to see what it felt like to face a first division attack.

“Hopefully I’ll finish in one piece and will be able to complete the rest of my challenges!”

ChildLine is there for all children with nowhere else to turn, available 24/7 on the phone, online and via instant messaging.

It listens to and helps around 300,000 young people every year and relies overwhelmingly on voluntary donations.

Peter can be sponsored here: uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=Peter26.2challenges