TWO employees at Marks and Spencer in Kidderminster are to complete the Wyre Forest Half Marathon in July to raise funds for a local charity.

Richard Teague and Shaun Swift, who work at the store in Weavers Wharf, will complete the 21.09 kilometre run on Sunday, July 12, to raise money for Home-Start Wyre Forest, which has been chosen as the store’s new charity partner for 2015.

Mr Teague, plan a champion representative at the store, said: “We are just getting started with our fundraising for Home-Start, but we are hoping to raise an impressive sum for the half marathon.

“The training is not easy, but knowing we will be helping Home-Start and its volunteers to support an average of 400 children each year makes the hard work worth it.”

Belinda Darby, manager of Home-Start Wyre Forest, said: “Richard and the team at Marks and Spencer have been incredibly enthusiastic and supportive towards our new partnership.

“We are all extremely excited about working together and look forward to continually making a difference to local families in need.

“The commitment from both Richard and Shaun to take part with the Wyre Forest Trail Half Marathon is brilliant and we are encouraging members of the public to get behind them to ensure we raise as much funds as possible.”

Sponsors can donate by contacting the charity on 01562 825896, or through the my donate button on their website, www.homestartwyreforest.org.uk.