A YORK businessman is heading for "infinity and beyond" when he crosses the start line of the Yorkshire Marathon this weekend.

Mark Mills, from Clifton Moor, is hoping to raise thousands for charity by running his fifth marathon, but will this time be dressing as Toy Story favourite Buzz Lightyear.

Mark, who runs telecom business LTS on Clifton Moor with his wife Sarah, is running in memory of his father-in-law Peter Hawkins founded the company 30 years ago.

Mark said: "I wanted to do something for charity this year and as I ran the marathon in a time that was considered "good for age" last year I wanted to do something a bit different.

"Last year my father in law passed away from cancer the week after the marathon. The company had 30th anniversary this year, but it was without Peter."

In memory of Peter, Mark has decided to raise money for the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which supports cancer charities across Yorkshire, and St Leonards Hospice where Peter spent time in respite care.

"As it's a marathon, Buzz Lightyear and 'to infinity and beyond' just seemed appropriate," he said.

Five other staff members from LTS will be joining him on race day, running as a relay team so Mark always has someone to run alongside. For the last leg, Mark will run alongside his wife Sarah.

Training is going well, he said, with only a short "practice run" in his Buzz Lightyear costume left to fit in before the big day.

Mark added: "I am slightly nervous, I think you have to be, but I am looking forward to it. I am really looking forward to trying to soak up the atmosphere. When I have run marathons before I have always been very focused on the race and getting a good time, so this will be very different."

The team has set a fundraising target of £3030 - a nod to the company's 30th anniversary - and is already well on the way to the target with around £1800 raised so far.

To contribute, go to uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/LTS30.

- Race organisers have announced this year's Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon will be televised once again. A special highlights programme to be screened on Channel 4 on Sunday, October 25 and will be hosted by former Olympic athlete Katharine Merry and TV presenter Kevin Harris, It will also be shown on Sky Sports and other digital channels.