WHEN Steve Chard runs 26 miles across the Falkland Islands he will have more than sore feet on his mind.

The former Royal Navy submarine technician from Bridport is running the Stanley Marathon in memory of two friends killed during the Falklands War.

The event is held every year on the remote South Atlantic island and this year coincides with the 26th anniversary of the Argentine invasion.

Mr Chard, who served during the war but avoided conflict, said: "It will be quite emotional running for two friends.

"The armed forces are very tight-knit and you get to know quite a few people.

"Even those who weren't on ships that were hit during the Falklands knew someone who was."

Money raised will go to the Royal British Legion.

Mr Chard said: "I decided I needed to do something because I am a member of the legion and they helped me when I had problems readjusting into civilian life after I left the Royal Navy in 1987."

Mr Chard, 50, will remember former schoolfriend Mark Sambles of Bridport and training companion Paul Callus. The men were killed when their ships were hit by missiles in the islands.

So far only £200 has been raised towards the £10,000 target but Mr Chard said he is confident of more support.

"Already I have got sponsors from as far away as Iraq," he said.

"I have sent sponsorship forms to every ship in the Royal Navy fleet and we are also running a sweepstake for people to guess how long it takes me to finish."

He added: "I am looking forward to seeing more of the Falklands on this trip - all I ever saw before was one 30-second peep through a periscope.

"We didn't surface so we weren't detected by the Argentines."

The Falkland Islands is a sparsely-populated territory that remains under British sovereignty.

The Stanley Marathon takes place every year in March.

To sponsor Mr Chard visit any Dorset Royal British Legion club or www.just giving.com/stevechard50