THE Gazette's runners will take to the streets of Bath on Sunday to raise money for Dorothy House Hospice.

Six members of staff will be taking part in the Bath Half Marathon to fundraise for the hospice at Winsley.

The team consists of editor Gary Lawrence, deputy editor Jo Moore, reporters Andy Davey, Cameron Ramos, and Sarah Singleton, sports reporter Neil Beck and sales and marketing manager Amber Edenbrow,

Calne reporter Mr Davey admitted he is feeling nervous about the big day.

"I used to do quite a lot of long distance running when I was a youngster but it has been a while since I have run anywhere near as far," he said.

"I've tried to fit in training around work commitments which has been quite difficult but I have tried to go for a jog a couple of times a week."

He is hoping to raise £150 for charity and reckons he will take a steady pace and try to finish in three hours, the same time estimated by Malmesbury reporter Mr Ramos.

"I have undergone a strenuous routine of meditation before the event and I am relying on inner reserves of strength and youth and vigour to pull me through," he said. He hoped training jogs would stand him in good stead.

Chippenham reporter Mrs Singleton has also raised £150 for Dorothy House.

"This is the first half marathon I have ever done and I am feeling quite nervous. I am used to running on my own and wonder what it will be like running the streets of Bath with crowds of people.

"If I can run all the way round and finish in around the two- hour mark it will be a real personal achievement for me."

Gazette editor Gary Lawrence is confident he can get round but does not anticipate troubling any record holders. "My training has consisted mainly of roast dinners and watching the indoor athletics championships,'' he said. "My plan is to take the first 12.9 miles slowly and then really go for it at the end.''

Mrs Moore, who has run the London and New York marathons in the past said: "I am just hoping I will find it easier than I did when I ran the race three years ago. The extra training I have done this time will make it a less painful experience.''