AN Upton man is in training for one of the world's great athletic challenges - the New York marathon.

Lee Mannion, 23, will take part in the 26-mile race on Sunday, November 6.

Lee currently lives in Stockport, where he manages a five-a-side football centre, but he returns home as often as possible to train on the Malvern Hills.

"I've never done a marathon before," he said. "I've done running to keep in shape for football, but never anything like this.

"I just feel that the New York Marathon is something I really want to do."

Lee will be running to raise money for the charity Weston Spirit, founded by Falklands war veteran Simon Weston. Weston Spirit provides social development opportunities for young people, from underprivileged backgrounds.

"I've got to raise £2,200, which is an extra challenge alongside the training," said Lee. "But a lot of people are being very generous and I've raised about half of it."

Lee and his family in Upton are planning a fundraising event to be held in the town some time next month.

"It's a bit early to say exactly what it will be, but as soon as I know, I'll be telling everyone," he said.