A ROYAL Navy aircrewman from County Durham is training for a coastal running challenge and on track to break the current record time.

Leading Hand Liam Armstrong will attempt to run the full length of Cornwall’s North Coast, a distance of 144 miles, non-stop at the end of the month.

And the 28-year-old’s training suggests he could smash the current Devon to Lands End (DEVLE) record of 40 hours and 56 minutes by more than five hours.

Mr Armstrong, who is originally from Bishop Auckland and now lives in Crook, enjoys running in the Durham Dales, particularly Weardale, as well as in Cornwall.

LH Armstrong’s passion for sport and fitness started early in life and included swimming for his school, St John’s RC School, in Bishop Auckland, and internationally.

He was recently crowned champion in the 100m and 200m Freestyle races at the Royal Navy Swimming Championships.

The North Coast Challenge, as it is formally known, from Harland Point in Devon to Land’s End will be his greatest endurance feat to date.

He said: “I am competitive, which ultimately is the driving force behind why I am doing this.

"However, despite that competitive edge, I would be happy just to complete the challenge to raise funds for the charities.”

LH Armstrong, is currently an Aircrewman trainee on the new Merlin Mk2 helicopter with Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose’s 824 Naval Air Squadron.

He hopes his run will raise £1440- £10 per mile- for his two chosen charities the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity and Bliss which supports premature babies and their parents.

LH Armstrong and his wife Kate are expected their first child in February so he intends to make the most of the freedom to run before then.

He said: “Both charities I am raising for are close to my heart.”

“Once our baby is born, I’ll be up all night changing nappies and such.

“I can face the DEVLE run, but being a Dad will be the real challenge.”

LH Armstrong’s DEVLE Run will start at 4am on Tuesday, January 27, near Hartland Point.

He will then follow the North Cornwall coastal path along some of most stunning parts of the British coastline which are among the most challenging for an endurance runner.

His aim is to arrive at Land’s End at 3pm the following day.