A cub scout leader is preparing to pound the streets of Paris - to raise money for pack headquarters.

Trevor Oates, cub scout leader at the 2nd Otley Scout Group, will tackle his first ever marathon in Paris on Sunday, April 6.

And for the 22-year-old accountant, it will be something of a challenge.

"I did the Manhattan half marathon last year, but I've never done a full marathon before.

"I've always wanted to do one and I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and raise money for the scout building at the same time.

"I tried to get in on the London Marathon, but couldn't get in."

The pack, which currently has 22 members, including four girls, has raised around £5,000 towards improvements to its Craven Street building.

It believes it needs at least another £10,000 towards the upgrade of the kitchen and outside toilets.

Trevor, who first joined the Otley pack in 1997 and has been leader for three-and-a-half years, said everyone had been very supportive.

At the moment, he is running ten miles a week twice during the week, and between 15 and 18 miles at the weekend.

"I'm just trying to build myself up," he said.

He plans to fly out from Leeds Bradford International Airport on the Friday before the race and stay in a youth hostel to keep his expenses to a minimum.

Some 40,000 people are expected to take part in the Paris race which is centred on the city centre.

Group chairman, Peter Young, said: "The group is very grateful to Trevor and wish him all the best in this big undertaking.

Although he is expecting to do the trip on his own, he would be quite happy if anyone else wants to go as well."

l Anyone who wants to sponsor Trevor should contact club chairman Peter Young on (01943) 466858.