DOGGED determination and perhaps of touch of barking madness is needed to run a half-marathon.

Especially if you are dressed as a 7ft tall dog named Digger.

That is what Steve Orton, who lives near Christchurch railway station, is doing when he runs in the Reading half marathon on Sunday, March 7.

He will be raising money for the Oakhaven Hospice at Lymington and the Jarrod Cunningham SALSA Foundation for motor neurone disease.

Digger is the mascot of London Irish rugby team and Steve is a big fan of the club and his wife Nicky really digs Digger.

London Irish asked for a volunteer for "extreme walking" in the Reading race and Steve tentatively put up his hand.

"First they asked if I was fit enough," said the Brockenhurst osteopath.

He assured them he had experience in the New Forest full and half-marathon events, but wearing regular running kit.

"Once I'd convinced them of that they said, 'Okay, here's the outfit - off you go'.

"As soon as I got home from picking up Digger I put the outfit on and couldn't stop laughing.

"I couldn't believe what I'd let myself in for."

Now he's got to brave the reactions of people in Christchurch and Brockenhurst as he has to train in the costume to get used to it.

"I've probably done about six miles in the outfit so far, walking to begin with, just to get the hang of it.

"You don't realise how much you look at your feet, until you can't.

"Crossing roads is quite dangerous, so Nicky comes with me on her bike."

A poster in his surgery has brought in a flurry of sponsors without any hounding.

Hearing from more would set Digger's tail wagging. Contact Steve on 01590 623311 or www.steve-orton.co.uk/digger