Four Kent Police officers are preparing to run in the Bournemouth marathon next month.

All four officers are based at the Tonbridge station in Pembury Road, and have been training for several months ahead of the 26.2 mile run on Sunday, October 5.

Sgt Mark Ginsberg, PCSO Toni Matthew, Sgt Jon Turtle and Insp Adrian Allen are raising money for Hospice in the Weald and hope that their efforts in the marathon will encourage donations.

Sgt Ginsberg, 47, said: "Hospice in the Weald is a fantastic local charity to which we all have a connection.

"I've never run a whole marathon before, I ran a half marathon five years ago and that was painful enough. So I'm not sure how I'm going to manage nearly 30 miles - but it's for a good cause so I'm happy to do my bit.

"Hospice in the Weald is a fantastic local charity to which we all have a connection" - Sgt Mark Ginsberg

"The training is really hard at the moment, I'm managing 18 or so miles on my training runs but the thought of doing 26 is hard. I'm nervous but quite excited to carry out the actual marathon.

"We've been trying to train as much as possible, I sometimes run to work, work all day then run home again.

"Jon and Toni sometimes get to train together which is great for their motivation. Hopefully we all do well and complete the challenge we've set ourselves."

The team, who are all in their 40's, plan to stay in Bournemouth the night before and the night of the marathon.

Sgt Ginsberg added: "We are planning on staying the night of the race to have a drink and relax, we will probably be in desperate need of one."

The team's fundraising total currently stands at £515.26 including gift aid.

To donate, visit their Virgin money giving page: http://bit.ly/XvzNfA