A fundraiser will chalk up an incredible milestone next month when he takes part in his fiftieth marathon.

Dave Lock, from Woodford Green, is reach the landmark at the London Marathon on April 22, where he will be running in aid of Samaritans.

The 56-year-old is also marking his twentieth marathon raising cash for the charity and has gained notoriety for taking on the 26.2 mile course dressed as a green Samaritans telephone.

This year, Mr Lock has updated his costume at the cost of adding extra weight, but is hoping the changes will not slow him down.

“I had my costume refilled as the foam had gone all saggy, so it’s now more stable,” he said.

“Before, the receiver on the phone was pushing my head down, so I had to run like an ostrich by pushing my head forward. I can go another 20 years now running in it.

“It is two to three kilos heavier so I have had to sacrifice comfort for weight gain.”

“It might be my twentieth marathon in London, but I still love taking part as much as the first time I ran. It always feels like the whole of London is cheering you on.”

Mr Lock is one of 72 runners taking part in this year’s London Marathon in support of Samaritans, which offers a confidential 24-hour hotline where callers can speak to someone about their problems.

Emma Sutehall, events fundraising manager at Samaritans said: “Good luck all our runners that are clocking up the miles in preparation for race day.

“Special shout out to Dave who has run London for Samaritans for the past 20 years.

“It’s a special marathon for him, but equally special for us – can’t wait to see the running phone in action again.”