Purfleet Trust volunteers for GEAR event in May

It's not the usual outfit recommended for running, but cardboard boxes are likely to attract attention.

Members of a King's Lynn based charity will be co-ordinating the course marshals for this year's Grand East Anglia Run and some of them will be completing the course to help raise cash, but he cardboard boxes will be left at home.

The Purfleet Trust, which works with the homeless, is encouraging service users to get involved in volunteering to help as a marshal or to take part in the 10k run itself.

'We know that volunteering can really help boost confidence and it can really help strengthen CVs for job applications so it supports our efforts to help people get back into employment. At the same time we are encouraging people to take part in GEAR to raise awareness of the Purfleet Trust and to raise money for our charity work,' said the trust's Phil Davies.

The Lynn charity provides support to homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless in West Norfolk. It provides housing advice for those not eligible to access support from the borough council.

This year's race, sponsored by Bespak, will be held on Sunday, May 6, along with a mini GEAR fun run for younger competitors.

Race director Roger Partridge said it had been a 'fantastic' offer from the Purfleet Trust and added that the links between the popular race, volunteering and raising money for charity were now even stronger.

For further information see www.grandeastangliarun.co.uk