A COUNCILLOR is going the extra mile this week to boost the coffers of a mayor's charity appeal.

Sedgefield Borough Councillor Vince Crosby is taking part in a gruelling marathon challenge in aid of borough mayor Jackie Piggott's campaign.

Cash raised from the fund raising event will be donated to the Great North Air Ambulance and the cardiac unit of the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

Coun Crosby, who represents the Greenfield and Middridge ward, is doing two-hour workout sessions using the rowing, cycling, running and cross trainer machines at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre's Lifestyle gym.

He said: "There are two reasons I decided to do this, to raise funds for the mayor's charity, which is supporting two very good causes, and to follow the council's own policy of creating a healthy borough by increasing exercise.

"I've set myself the target of burning 1,000 calories, which works out at about 28.7 miles, a day, for seven days. I started on Saturday and am reaching or exceeding so far.

"Anyone who wants to see that I'm not cheating is welcome to pop in between 2pm and 4pm until Thursday, or 4pm to 6pm on Friday."

To sponsor Coun Crosby, send a cheque payable to The Mayor's Charity Fund to Sedgefield Borough Council, Green Lane, Spennymoor, or visit the gym.