A father is hoping to break a world record – but may well break himself in the process.

You may have spotted Dave Cooke running up and down Princes Road, Dartford, in full chain mail, looking as if he’s just returned from the Crusades.

But, rather than training for a battle, the 38-year-old is getting fit ahead of running in this year’s London marathon, on Sunday, April 24.

To make things a bit more interesting he is attempting to complete the 26 miles wearing almost 20kg, or 44lb, of metal.

The father-of-two, from Coller Crescent, Dartford, has previously completed six marathons.

Three were over consecutive weekends for the Forces Children’s Trust and this time he is supporting the London Air Ambulance, which supports the other emergency services up to the M25 and in Dartford.

The record Guinness World Record for the marathon being run in chain mail was set by Michael Dodd, from Essex, who ran it in five hours, 49 minutes and seven seconds in 2014.

Mr Cooke said: “At the moment I’m just hoping I get through it. It’s the first time I’ll have run a marathon in any kind of fancy dress. The suit is very heavy.

“The fastest I’ve ever run a marathon was five hours 15 minutes. So If I can do this in five hours 45 and just beat Michael to the world record I’ll be really happy.”

The operations manager at a secondary school keeps active and is also a volunteer coach at Greenwich FC, where his son plays.

He added: “I chose the air ambulance this time because it gets no government funding, but it is a crucial service which makes a massive difference.

“I’m also a Freemason and a £2 million donation has already been given to the charity by the London Freemasons, so I’ve already been doing things through that.” So far Dave has raised £600, but is hoping to collect nearer £2,000 before he runs.