CHIPPENHAM NEWS: AN elite Australian marathon runner is hoping to take one of the biggest races of the year in his stride to raise £1,000 for a care home near Chippenham.

Adam Zur Eich, of Adelaide, returned to Britain for the first time in more than 25 years last week and dropped in to speak to residents at Leonard Cheshire's care home Greathouse, in Kington Langley.

The 32-year-old runner, who has completed marathons in the southern hemisphere, is taking part in the Flora London Marathon on Sunday.

He decided to raise money for the Leonard Cheshire care home in north Wiltshire because a close friend works for the charity.

Anthony Hughes, of Greathouse, said: "All the residents were delighted to meet him and they thanked him for his efforts.

"His mother emigrated to Australia from the west country 40 years ago and he said he was delighted to return to run in the marathon. We will be keeping an eye out for him this weekend."

Greathouse's support group, which is made up of residents, staff and volunteers, will use the cash to buy new equipment or fund days out.

Mr Hughes added: "He Mr Zur Eich has paid for all the fees himself so all the sponsorship money will go straight to Leonard Cheshire.

"It will be up to the support group to decide what is needed. It could be a holiday or something within the home."