SOMERSET and Taunton Samaritans are bringing the London Marathon to three Somerset towns.

Buildings in Wellington, Taunton, and Chard will light up green celebrating Samaritans being the official charity of this London Marathon.

Wellington Monument, Taunton’s Market House, and Chard Guildhall will light up green this Saturday and Sunday (20- 21 April), celebrating this year’s London Marathon – where Samaritans are the official charity of the year.

While thousands of participants and spectators will take to the London streets, town centres across the country are going green to raise awareness of the support Samaritans provide.

The suicide prevention charity is aiming to tackle the stigma around suicide, through its London Marathon partnership, by sharing stories of hope and encouraging the public to play a part in suicide prevention to help others to, 'Believe in tomorrow.'

Alistair Hallows, Somerset and Taunton Samaritans branch director, said: “At a marathon we see people rally together to support their loved ones, knowing their support can help get them through it.

“Yet many people struggle with suicidal thoughts in silence. We are delighted to be sharing in the national campaign.”

The branch will also be down at Longrun Meadow Parkrun on Saturday, running the 5K and raising awareness of the charity.