A former Olympic silver medallist who is fighting vascular dementia is currently in training so he can complete the Medway Mile with his family.

Paul Nihill, 78, got his medal race walking at the 1964 Tokyo Games and has kept fit all his life and has previously completed the challenge.

Last year however, his health suffered and he was unable to sign up for the event, but now, his health is better, he can't wait to complete the course.

Mr Nihill, who now lives in Amherst Court Care Home, in Palmerston Road, has been completing laps of the home in the run up to the event which is being held in Rochester on Friday night.

He will join thousands of other people who are taking part in the challenge and Mr Nihill is doing the circuit with other family members.

His daughter, Clare Denness, entered him and the others for the mile as a challenge to focus on and since living at the home, she says his health has improved.

Mrs Denness, said: "He's really looking forward to it, he can't wait to take part.

"He was not well enough to take part last year, but since being at the home his heath has got better.

"He's eating better and has been completing laps of the building so he can complete the course.

Mr Nihill, added: "I'm really looking forward to it, in fact I can't wait."

The 11th Medway Mile kicks off in Rochester at 5pm when the Castle Gardens gates open and activities start.

At children's races start at 5.30pm and a masot race will start at 6.30pm and then there will be a mass warm up in the castle grounds with the mass Medway Mile race starting at 7.45pm.

Other attractions in the castle grounds include free sports, inflatables, live entertainment and a fireworks finale.

Registration has now closed and 3,300 people have registered this year to take part.