TROOPS marching a marathon a day across the region made a pit stop in Teesside.

Territorial Army soldiers from 72 Engineer Regiment are walking 500 miles over 23 days. The soldiers, who started from the Baltic, in Gateshead. on August 28, marched their way north to Berwick, then via the Pennine Way to the Yorkshire Dales, and across to Sheffield and Hull.

They were marching back north to Tyneside yesterday when they called in to visit the Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon.

He said: “I admire their determination, stamina and resilience.”

Their journey ends tomorrow, when they compete in the Great North Run. Their challenge is in aid of five charities – the Army Benevolent Fund, Macmillan Cancer Support, the British Limbless Exservicemen’s Association, the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and the Great North Air Ambulance.

Warrant Officer 2 Karl Yellop for the 72 Engineer Regiment said about £13,000 had been raised so far. “As well as helping the charities, we’re also doing this to increase awareness locally and regionally about the Armed Forces and what they do,” he said.

To make a donation, cheques can be made payable to 72 Engineer Regiment with “charity fund” written on the back and sent to Karl Yellop at 72 Engineer Regiment, Napier Armoury, Alexandra Road, Gateshead NE8 4HX.