BBC Sport and Five Live presenter John Inverdale cut a dashing figure in the North-East yesterday as part of a mission to complete a marathon with a difference for this year's Sport Relief.

He will be visiting 24 towns or cities across the UK, from Glasgow, in the north, to Truro, in the south, to run a mile in each, in the space of a week.

Mr Inverdale said: "This marathon of miles is a fun, but challenging way of raising awareness of Sport Relief and I'm delighted to be involved."

In conjunction with BBC regional radio stations, he will be urging the country to Go the Extra Mile this summer on Saturday, July 15, for Sport Relief 2006.

BBC presenters and athletes Alison Curbishley and Chris Tomlinson joined him to run a mile through Albert Park, Middlesbrough, yesterday.

The Sport Relief Red Sock is central to the fundraising effort. Each "miler" will take part wearing one red sock, and at the finish line they'll be presented with a second to make a pair.

Sport Relief merchandise includes a Fairtrade T-shirt, a Sport Relief mascot called Roger and a Roger pin badge.

All merchandise is available at Sainsbury's and online at www.sportrelief.com