Orkney Today newspaper journalist Craig Taylor will be putting his best foot forward later this month when he runs the Hoy Half Marathon.

Craig, (34), completed the hilly island course in two hours and eight minutes last year, and is hoping to better that this time around.

He told HoldtheFrontPage: "I managed it last year when I did it for the first time and raised £500 for charity so it was well worth it.

"Last year I did it for the local kidney patients' renal ward.

"It was the first time I ever attempted anything like it, but after sitting at a desk most of the time I would recommend it to any journalist as a good way of trying to get fit, with the added incentive that you are doing something good for charity."

The reporter, who has also worked for The Orcadian and ran his own freelance business, added: "I'd very much like to beat my time but I'll see how it goes - I was just happy to finish it."

This time Craig will be tackling the course in aid of Orkney's Multiple Sclerosis therapy centre and MS Society branch, as well as the MS Society in Scotland, spurred on by a relative who suffers from the condition.

He aims to match his £500 fundraising total, and has set up a sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/craigtaylor

Craig's big race in on Sunday.