WORCESTER-based national charity Leukaemia Care has received a cheque for more than £1,000 from a city businessman.

Steve Bettridge, who runs BG Supplies in Pope Iron Road, Barbourne, which sells Scouts, Guides and school uniforms, raised £1,132 in sponsorship for running the Father Christmas Fun Run, which took place in December 2004.

His efforts were rewarded with a year's membership to Cannons Health Club, off Droitwich Road, Perdiswell. This means he should have no excuses for not being fit and ready for this year's 5km race around Worcester, which organisers from the charity and Worcester City FC promise will be bigger and better.

This year's race is due to take place on Sunday, December 4.

Last year's race, which started and finished at the City football ground off St George Lane North, raised around £30,000 for the charity.