AT the age of 60, Silvia Dawson is looking forward to her 22nd Great North Run this weekend.

On Sunday, the mother-of-two will join thousands of other runners at the starting line, near the Tyne Bridge, in Newcastle, for the half-marathon to South Shields.

Mrs Dawson, of Belmont, Durham, became interested in jogging while on a holiday in Jersey, in the 1980s, and began taking part in charity fun-runs.

Her husband, Trevor, did the second and third Great North Runs, but hurt his ankle so she decided to take his place and has kept jogging on ever since.

Mrs Dawson, who is a service co-ordinator at Carrville Methodist Church, said: "It is the buzz.

"The run just gets bigger and bigger and the atmosphere is always great and the spectators are wonderful.

"They are there first thing, setting up their deckchairs, irrespective of the weather, and are there to cheer on the runners from the first to the last. It is a very friendly race and everybody speaks to each other.''

Mrs Dawson achieved her best time, one hour and 58 minutes, in 1988, but now completes the 13-mile course in an average of two hours and 40 minutes.

She will be raising money for Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Arthritis Research Campaign, charities she has supported for a number of years. She is hoping to equal or better the £400 she raised for them last year.

To sponsor Mrs Dawson, call 0191-386 1289.

* Mrs Dawson is holding a coffee morning, on Saturday, October 15, between 10am and noon, in Carrville Methodist Church, to raise money for Breast Cancer Care. Admission is free.