A CHILDREN'S author and poet from Selby will run the London Marathon for charity again this year.

Christina Gabbitas will take on the 26.2-mile challenge to raise money alongside a team of fundraisers from the NSPCC.

Christina was recently named an Honorary Member of the NSPCC Council, for her fundraising efforts which have included running the 2018 London Marathon, and running thirty 10k races to mark the 30th anniversary of the charity’s Childline service in 2016.

Jackie Dawson, NSPCC community fundraising manger for North Yorkshire, said: "We’re absolutely delighted that Christina has decided to run the London Marathon for us yet again. It takes a lot of dedication to commit to running the marathon but to do so twice is amazing, so we are truly grateful to her for her unstinting support."

Christina said: "It was such a rewarding experience last year even though I had been battling a slipped disc it was worth all the blood, sweat and tears.

"This year’s training has gone really well so I am really looking forward to seeing all those who line the route and shout their encouragement, the London marathon has such an atmosphere and I plan on enjoying every 26 miles of it all whilst raising funds for the NSPCC."

Christina has also donated all proceeds from her rhyming book helping young children understand safeguarding issues - Share Some Secrets - to the charity.

To donate, go to virginmoneygiving.com/ChristinaGabbitasChildlineMarathon