MP RUNS 'FROM ALBERT TO THE SOMME' IN FUNDRAISING EFFORT FOR POPULAR STATUE

3.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 3rd Sep 2007

Local MP Tim Farron will this afternoon be taking part in a charity run to raise money for the restoration of the statue in front of the Cartmel Grange Nursing Home in Grange-over-Sands. The statue, affectionately known as 'Albert', commemorates the lives of local soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War.

Tim's run will leave from the Cartmel Grange Nursing Home at 3pm this afternoon, and take him to 'The Somme and back' - he's running the 10km to Somme Avenue in Flookburgh and back to the nursing home.

Speaking this morning, before his run, Tim said: "Many local residents regard 'Albert' with a great deal of affection. However, he's been there for a long time, and I was horrified recently to find out the poor condition that the statue is in. Cartmel Grange have done a great job in raising funds towards the restoration of this important landmark, and I'm really keen to help them finish the job and raise the funds we need."