He spends most of his time running his historic country estate.

But now Lord Somerleyton is clocking up the miles to help a children's charity that is very close to his heart.

Next month, the Suffolk peer will be taking part in the annual Bungay Black Dog half-marathon to help raise awareness of the NSPCC and its role in helping children across the county and protecting them from abuse.

By tackling the 13.1-mile course on Sunday, April 6, he will also be reinforcing his family's strong links to the charity as his father, the previous Lord Somerleyton, was its north Suffolk branch president from its launch in 1988.

He took on the role of president after his father died, aged 83, in January 2012.

He said: 'All charities have their place. Foremost among them all is the NSPCC and for me this has added importance following my father's involvement so I am delighted to continue that tradition.'

As a keen runner, the present Lord Somerleyton first took part in the Bungay Black Dog event 10 years ago and earlier this month he ran a half-marathon on his estate in an impressive one hour and 35 minutes.

Urging people to sign up for the run, which follows a scenic route through the Waveney Valley from Bungay to Beccles and back, he said: 'The hard part is crossing the line – enter and start and you will finish. If you mind wants to, your body will follow.'

Lord Somerleyton is also urging people in Waveney to support the NSPCC and its work by organising fund-raising events and becoming volunteers for its north Suffolk branch.

He said: 'Giving time is increasingly hard in the hi-tech, fast-moving lives we all now live, so it is easy to pass over the chance of supporting a charity or leave it on the 'to do' list – but don't as it is rewarding.

'Get involved and see how you enjoy it. You can always stop, but not starting should not be an option.'

For the last five years the Bungay Black Dog Marathon has supported the NSPCC, raising nearly £50,000 for the charity.

?To register for the event, which also has a fun run, or for more information visit www.nspcc.org.uk/getinvolved

?To support or volunteer for the NSPCC, ring its east appeals team on 0207 6503270 or email eastappeals@nspcc.org.uk