A ROYAL Marine and his friends will attempt to complete at least 30,000 press ups in just 10 hours to raise funds for a Ferndown-based charity.

Richie Puttock and five pals are to take on the athletic challenge in aid of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation (JTYAF).

The foundation was established in 2008 following the death of John Thornton, a 22-year-old Marine from Ferndown, in Afghanistan.

It supports local young people in a bid to help them achieve their ambitions.

Long-time supporter Richie has already completed a number of challenges for the charity, including the London Marathon, a 350-mile cycle completed within 12 hours and a non-stop 150,000 metre row.

He will take on his latest fundraising effort at Sainsbury's in Ferndown on Saturday, May 6.

JTYAF founder Linda Thornton said: "Richie wants as many people to get involved as possible so if you'd like to support them and fancy a bit of a challenge why don’t you take on the press up challenge too?

"They’re not expecting you to do 30,000 press ups.

"Just come along, make a donation and see how many press ups you can do in one minute."

Richie will donate three months of free training at his bootcamp to the man and woman who complete the most within 60 seconds.

However, Linda said anyone keen to avoid the exercise can still join in.

"If you'd rather avoid the press up bit, you can still help by coming along to support the team on the day," she said.

Donations can be made to Richie's fundraising webpage, justgiving.com/fundraising/30000pressups

Linda thanked Sainsbury's, Ferndown Leisure Centre, energy drink company Overhang and Myprotein.

Richie said: “Many more youngsters deserve the chance to be the best that they can be.”

For more information about the JTYAF, visit jtyaf.org