AN ILKLEY supermarket employee will take on the London Marathon this weekend - thanks to some help from a local motorbike club.

Vicky Spratt, inspired by the work done by the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, decided last year to raise £1,750 to secure a charity place in the Sunday, April 23 race.

An injury, however, forced her to stop running for three months and left her facing an uphill training and fundraising challenge.

The Steeton-based Girder Fork and Classic Motorcycle Club decided to lend a hand when their Treasurer, Blake Hemingway, saw Vicky fundraising in the Ilkley Booths store where she works.

He said: "As our club had raised funds for the Sue Ryder Manorlands charity last year and the money was due to be handed over, I was able to divert some funds directly to Vicky so she could reach her target and concentrate on training."

The club was able to donate £500 to Vicky's cause and presented her with it outside Booths on Friday, March 31.

She said: "I'm extremely grateful for the fundraising support from friends, family, the local community and the Girder Fork club.

"I'm so lucky to have the opportunity to run for such a great cause and help those with terminal illnesses."

The Girder Fork club, meanwhile, will hold this year's clasic motorcycle show at the Craven Cattle Mart, Skipton, from noon on Sunday, June 25.

Entry costs £3 for adults (ie over 16) and profits will be shared between Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Yorkshire Blood Bikes.