A Swindon doctor and marathon runner looks set to finish the ultimate endurance test in the Sahara Desert.

Stephen Rhodes, 45, who is based at the Hermitage Surgery in Lawn, is making good progress in the gruelling Sahara Marathon a seven-day race, spanning 150 miles in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius.

Dr Rhodes' most recent placing was 434, out of 700 competitors, including professional athletes from across the world.

He hopes to raise more than £4,000 in sponsorship for the Prospect Hospice, in Wroughton.

Staff at the Hermitage Surgery are following his progress on a website devoted to the race. Practice manager Renee Wheeler said: "We are are so proud of him.

"The conditions look very uncomfortable but Dr Rhodes is so dedicated, we knew he would keep going."

Since Dr Rhodes set off on Sunday his ranking has improved as competitors drop out.

The race finishes today and he is due to fly back home on Monday.

Dr Rhodes has been sharing a tent with 12 other people and surviving on freeze- dried food.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Dr Rhodes can call 01793 522492.

His progress can be followed on the website www.darbaroud.com.