SPECTATORS at the London Marathon should keep their eyes peeled for one runner who hopes to set a new world record for the fastest vegetable.

Phil Clarke from Boscombe will be running the 26.2 mile race on Sunday April 26 dressed as a giant runner bean in aid of the charity WellChild, a national charity for sick children.

He told the Echo: "Ever since I was a kid I've wanted to get into the Guinness Book of Records. The current record is held by a carrot at two hours 59 minutes and three seconds so I thought it would be a bit of fun to try and beat it. A runner bean sounded like the obvious choice."

Phil who works as a garden designer, tried to set a new record at last year's event dressed as a character from the book Where's Wally? but was eight minutes too late.

"My fastest marathon time so far is three hours and 12 minutes and that was much tougher terrain. The London Marathon is flat by comparison. I just hope it won't be too hot on the day.

"I've made the costume out of green felt so it will be quite light, and I will paint the rest of my body green. I've had to send pictures to officials for the Guinness Book of Records. It's very strict - they check your outfit at the start and at the end of the race to make sure it meets their requirements."

The former rugby player and power lifter says it has taken three years to morph into a marathon runner.

"Over the past few months I've been running every day - between 90 and 120 miles a week which is very exhausting physically and mentally but it is for a very good cause."

To support Phil, visit justgiving.com/Philip-Clarke6.