A GYM instructor from Trowbridge has waxed his legs in the name of charity. Gary McLaughlin, 20, is planning to run the New York Marathon in November as part of the Bristol Cancer Help Centre team.

But to join the team, he is tasked with raising a total of £2,000 and must reach £600 by September.

Staff and friends paid to rip strips of wax off his legs on Tuesday, at Castle Place Leisure Centre where Gary works as a personal trainer.

He said: "Two of the ladies who came along paid £30 each to rip off a strip.

"It feels a bit strange having no hair on my legs now, and I think it will raise a few eyebrows at work, but we raised over £100 so it's worth it.

"What I am really dreading is when it starts growing back, I think the stubble will be very itchy," he said.

Mr McLaughlin is back in full-time training for the marathon after a month off with injury and plans to run at least 15 miles each Sunday

He said: "I have done several half marathons, and the crowds have always been amazingly supportive.

"With 30,000 runners, and in a place like New York, I just think it will be the most amazing experience."

To support Gary's bid to raise £2,000 for Bristol Cancer Help Centre, and to boost him on his way to New York for the marathon, people can fill in sponsorship forms at Castle Place Leisure Centre in Trowbridge.