A FAMILIAR looking pantomime dame will be taking to the streets of London for this year s Virgin London Marathon. David Atkins will be running the marathon dressed in the dame costume he has donned many times as part of the cast of the annual Royston pant

A FAMILIAR looking pantomime dame will be taking to the streets of London for this year's Virgin London Marathon.

David Atkins will be running the marathon dressed in the dame costume he has donned many times as part of the cast of the annual Royston pantomime.

"I'm having a costume especially adapted for the race, as the normal one would be far too heavy," said David, who is the assistant head at the Meridian School in Royston.

"I'm running to raise money for St Elizabeth's Centre in Much Hadham. St Elizabeth's cares for people with epilepsy and has been a wonderful home for my sister in law Caroline for over 20 years.

"St Elizabeth's rely a good deal on charitable donations to help ensure that residents at the centre lead extremely full lives," he said.

To sponsor David, visit www.justgiving.co.uk/davidjatkins.

Meanwhile, another Crow Country resident, Carol Christy, of Poplar Drive, Royston, is taking to the course for a fourth time in aid of the Arthur Rank hospice.

She said: "I'm looking to break through the four hours 30 minute mark this time. My best time so far is four hours 43 so I think it's possible.

"I can remember saying 'never again' after collapsing on the finishing line last year but I cannot resist the challenge.

"Therefore to help justify my madness and make the effort worth while I would like to raise �2,000 for the Arthur Rank hospice and need all the support I can muster."

The Arthur Rank hospice in Cambridge provides specialist palliative care and support to adult patients and their family, friends and carers.

Visit www.justgiving.co.uk/carol-christy to sponsor Carol.

The Virgin London Marathon takes place on April 25.