It's that time of year again when people are starting to train for the country's most famous half-marathon in the sprit of charity.

It is estimated that about 54,000 people around the country will be putting their trainers on in preparation for the Great North Run, which will be staged in Newcastle on Sunday, September 18.

One of Norfolk's participants, Louise Chapman, 31, from Ringland, near Taverham, is already putting in the miles to be ready for the 13-mile run.

Mrs Chapman, originally from Norwich, is currently running three to six mile training runs up to four times a week. She will be running in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

She said: 'I wanted to raise money for the BHF. I think it's an important cause. I wanted to help the thousands of people and their families affected by cardiac problems every day.'

She has set a target of �500 and has already raised �230 towards that total.

Mrs Chapman, a press officer for the World Horse Welfare organisation, based in Snetterton, continued: 'I did the London Marathon in 2006 so it was a few years ago now, which makes me excited to do this one.

'I've heard it's a fantastic event with lots of people getting dressed up, it looks good fun. I got over taken by someone dressed as a Pepperami last time but I won't be dressing up, especially not if it's a hot day!

'But as this is half the distance of what I have done before I'm hoping for a reasonable time, I'm hoping for under two hours.'

If you would like to support Mrs Chapman's fund raising then log on to www.justgiving.com/lou-chapman

Are you preparing to raise money for charity? Contact Local Life editor David Freezer on 01603 772418 or email david.freezer@archant.co.uk