Local endurance athlete Martin Beare will face one of his biggest challenges to date when he takes part in the London Triathlon this weekend in order to raise money for Vitalise, a charity which provides essential breaks for both disabled people and their carers.

The 45 year-old will be among around 11,000 other competitors taking part in what has become the largest triathlon in the world through the streets of the capital, with upwards of 30,000 spectators and millions of televsion viewers all looking on.

The race consists of a 1500m open water swim in the river thames followed by a 40km bike ride and 10km run, taking in the many sights and sounds of London on route.

As a triathlete, Martin's strict training regime consists of a 6am swim, evening bike ride and running sessions around his home in Woburn Sands, with some occasional long cross country runs thrown in for good measure.

He also has regular training sessions with coach David Coard, himself a British triathlete, and takes the occasional 100 mile bike ride from Luton to Brighton, followed by a dip in the sea.

And he somehow manages to do all that around his normal working day running his own decorating business.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of the race," said Martin.

"I'm hoping to complete the course in about two and a half hours which would be a great achievement considering I've only been running seriously for about five years, and training for triathlons for two.

"The training is hard work but I genuinely do enjoy it. I've even applied to take part in the full Ironman triathlon in Switzerland next year."