LINDA Leyland's usual mode of transport these days is Bolton's best-known limousine - registration WH 1.

But on Sunday, she swaps the luxury of the Mayor's Jaguar for a pair of running shoes as she pounds the streets of the capital in the London Marathon. And she will be raising funds for the Mayor's Charity.

Linda, aged 45, is on temporary secondment as the Mayor's Attendant from her job in reception at Wellington Yard. There, she showed her versatility by training as an HGV Class II driver, helping the gritting team in the winter months.

In the evenings and at weekends, she regularly steps from behind the wheel to go running around some of the area's most picturesque spots at the Jumbles and Wayoh reservoirs. "I've actually been running for about 15 years, for Horwich Harriers for the past eight years and before that for Bolton Harriers," said Linda, of Great Lever.

She has regularly done well in age-group competitions, and has taken part in several half-marathons - including the Mayor of Oldham's half-marathon last month which she won.

Linda has run the London Marathon once before, but illness spoiled her finishing in a good time. "I'm hoping for anything less than four hours this time," she added.

She decided to run for the Mayor's Charity - this year to help the For Dementia organisation, the Bolton branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain and Halliwell Befriending Scheme - because the fund helps so many local groups.

"I've seen this myself in the course of my work for the mayor so I wanted to help and I'm looking forward to enjoying the day out running as well."