A CHARITY runner hopes to do his longest run yet on the longest day of the year this weekend (Saturday, June 21).

Endurance runner Paul Smith is aiming to cover 100 miles by doing laps of the athletics track at Maiden Castle sports ground, near Durham City, on Saturday, starting at one minute past midnight.

The effort is in aid of the Retired Greyhound Trust and the Finlay Cooper Fund, set up by Hartlepool United manager Colin Cooper and his wife Julie in memory of their son Finlay who died after a choking accident.

Mr Smith, a keen Hartlepool fan who lives in Sherburn Hill, near Durham, previously ran 65 miles on the shortest day of last year between St James’ Park, Newcastle, the Sunderland Stadium of Light and Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, ending at Hartlepool’s Victoria Park, where Mr Cooper invited him to watch the team’s match against Burton Albion from the dugout.

He is appealing for sponsorship.

To support him, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com and search for Paul Smith.