ANYONE looking for a great way to fight off the extra pounds from too much turkey and Christmas pudding is being called upon to join the Cornish Hospices 2004 Flora London Marathon team.

The two hospices urgently need runners to fill so-called golden bond places they still have available - and help raise vital funds for Mount Edgcumbe and St Julia's Hospices.

Those taking up golden bond places pledge to raise a minimum of £1,250 for their chosen hospice.

They will be helped with fund-raising and will be supplied with a Cornish Hospices running vest, sponsor forms and fund-raising pack, photo voucher and a copy of the London Marathon News magazine.

Sarah Snell, head of PR and fund-raising for the Cornish Hospices, said: "People who applied through the ballot will now know if they were successful or not.

"We still have some places left and I'm sure there are many runners out there who would jump at participating in this wonderful event - if so, we want to hear from them.

"The money raised will help us to continue to care for people who are terminally ill and I know that people in Cornwall are extremely generous in their support for the the two hospices."

There are just a few weeks left before the closing date for Golden Bond places to be returned to the London Flora Marathon.

Anyone who wishes to apply can contact Sarah on 01726 874514/3.