A SHOCK wake-up call was behind John Johnston's decision to train for the London Marathon.

The Bridport businessman found himself weighing in at 25 stone on his 57th birthday and opted to make a drastic change to his lifestyle.

John, a former club runner, thought that taking up running again would be the perfect way to get back into shape.

And there's a big incentive behind his training - he wants to raise £3,000 for the Wessex Autistic Society and help build a leisure centre for autistic adults in Broadwindsor.

Mr Johnston said: "After joining the Maiden Newton runners club, I was lucky enough to get a form through for the London marathon. I decided to run for the Wessex Autistic Society because they received little government funding for the services they provide for people with autism in West Dorset.

"I'm thrilled to be running the marathon for such a worthy cause and I'm looking forward to the challenge and to raise as much money for the society as I can. Let's hope all the training I've been doing pays off!"

To sponsor Mr Johnston, contact him on 01308 421777.