BLIND Peter Elliott is preparing to take part in his 20th fun run - having raised £30,000 for charity over the years.

The 54-year-old used to take part in the Barnard Castle Meet fun run - but when it ended, he switched to the Raby Castle 5km run. He will take part again this year on May 27.

"I did my first run for the eye clinic at Darlington Memorial Hospital after I lost my sight and have been doing them ever since," said Mr Elliott, of Barnard Castle.

"I always have someone who runs it with me.

"At first it was one of my old mates, Bobby Spence, but sadly he died a few years ago."

Another friend, Harry Richards, from Staindrop, will be running this year's race with him, while five-year-old guide dog Rachael watches on.

"I don't run with Rachael, because she might get injured and then she'd be out of action for the next week."

The former Glaxo worker is sponsored by people from across the area and hands the money over to charities across Teesdale and County Durham.

"I started off trying to aim for £100 for every mile I ran, but I'm way beyond that now," said Mr Elliot, who is hoping to raise £2,000 this year. But this month's race may be the last for Mr Elliot.

"I am thinking about calling it a day, because I'm 54 now and it's not getting easier." People can sponsor Mr Elliot by giving money at the Beaconsfield pub, in Galgate, in Barnard Castle.