THE training has been completed. The days are being ticked off. And now runners Leanne Marr and Rod Appleby cannot wait to get started in this Sunday's London Marathon.

Both Leanne and Rod are running on behalf of the Yeovil Express' Paws for a Pound Appeal and are already collecting a bumper amount of sponsorship.

Editor-in-Chief of the Express, Ken Bird, said: "We would like to wish Leanne and Rod the very best of luck for Sunday - rather them than me though!

"It has been fantastic that they are running in the London Marathon on behalf of our Paws for a Pound Appeal.

"Hopefully their efforts will inspire other people in the Yeovil area to support our appeal to raise £35,000 for the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

"We've been delighted at the response so far from readers, but there is still a long way to go and every penny counts.

"We're not expecting everyone to put on their running shoes and run a marathon, but there are so many ways people can raise money for the Paws for a Pound Appeal.

"We would love to hear from anyone who wants to help and we'd be more than happy to provide plenty of publicity for your fundraising event."

If you would like to help the Paws for a Pound Appeal then contact us at the Yeovil Express on 01935-479811 or write to us at the Yeovil Express, 46 Princes Street, Yeovil, Somerset BA20 1EQ.