A former youth football coach is lacing up his boots again to take part in one of the UK's most famous sports challenges.

Gordon Pitcher will be running the London Marathon in 2017 in aid of the Make A Wish Foundation.

It will also be a celebration for his 65th birthday, around six weeks before the marathon on April 23.

He ran his first marathon in 2004 for the children's charity.

Mr Pitcher, from Saham Toney, said: 'I wanted to do something for Make A Wish again because it is a fantastic charity which gives children their dying wish, and you do not get better than that, do you?

'I wanted to do something that involves children who are not as lucky as us and will not live as long as us.

'It makes me happy that I can give someone a dying wish. For some of these boys and girls, their wish is to go on a holiday or drive a tank. They are not big things, and it is quite humbling.

'If you are going to do something for charity it should be something you are passionate about, and I am passionate about helping children.'

The 2017 race in the capital will be his fourth, and he is running multiple times a week in preparation. He will be cheered on by his family at the event, including grandsons Nolan and Flynn.

He has previously organised fundraising football matches in Saham Toney, the most recent being in remembrance of former youth player Will Smart.

In order to raise money for his marathon attempt, Mr Pitcher has organised a quiz night at Watton Sports Centre this Sunday, December 11, from 7pm.