Three staff members from a south Norfolk high school will be joining the nearly 40,000 people who will be running this year's London Marathon.

Harleston's Archbishop Sancroft High School will see deputy headteacher Rob Connelly, assistant headteacher Ben Player and the school's receptionist Tanya Holloway taking on the gruelling 26 mile course around the capital.

Mrs Halloway will be running for Parkinson's UK and Mr Connelly and Mr Player will be running for the school's parent teacher association and SkillForce - a national charity that has inspired young people to succeed.

Mr Connelly said: 'Ben and I both ran the marathon back in 2014. That was before Ben had joined the school and we finished within two minutes of each other. So we thought we'd run it together.

'That's helped with training. We've got a 16 week programme we're working on and are currently up to 15 miles now. We're aiming to complete it in three hours and 45 minutes and that will be quicker than two years ago.'

The pair have so far raised £2,000 and it will be split between the two charities.

Mr Player said: 'SkillForce work with school children to develop independence and leadership skills. Those skills are crucial in enabling students to achieve in education and in their chosen pathway. We've seen the benefits.

'The parent teacher association are raising money for the development of the swimming pool. It's a community space and we want to make sure it is nice.

'They're also raising money to improve the school quad which is the heart of the school. We want to make it a more attractive and appealing space'

Mrs Hollway has raised £3,500 and Mr Connelly said she is grateful for all the support.

Mr Connelly and Mr Player will also be hosting a special charity dinner to raise money. The event will be held at the school on Saturday, March 19 at 7.30pm. There will be live music from Laurence Brooks, a hot and cold buffet, bar and raffle. There will also be a charity auction with prizes, including a surfing lesson, donated by teachers and local businesses.

Tickets cost £20 and can be bought through the pair's Virgin Giving page, just indicate how many tickets you'd like and donate.

The sponsorship page is, www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/robandbenlondon2016

Have you got a fundraising story? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk or call 01379 651176.