THE Echo’s Andy Nicholls will be taking part in the London Marathon this year.

Andy, head of content and new media, will be pounding the streets of the capital city for local charity Help and Care.

He is aiming to raise £1,300 for the Bournemouth-based charity, which provides information and advice to help older people, carers and communities.

Andy said: “I’m really looking forward to it. It is one of the top sporting events of the year and to help boost funds for a locally-based charity, which does a lot of good work in the community, has to be the perfect combination.”

Help and Care, is based in Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, and has a number of offices across the south of England.

It supports initiatives that enable the elderly to live in their own homes for longer and also backs Healthwatch, which is the new consumer champion for health and social care.

Andy will also be taking part in the Yeovil Half-Marathon a few weeks before the big race, which is on Sunday April 13.

He said of his training so far: “It’s going well. Like all runners, I’m hoping the weather’s going to improve and we get a dry spell.”

Andy took part in his first marathon last October.

He added: “It was tough, but I enjoyed it. I know the London Marathon is going to be a very special occasion and if I train right, I should be able to get a reasonable time.”

If you would like to sponsor Andy, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyNicholls2.