When an Oxford theatre fan heard the city's Creation Theatre Company faced closure if cash was not raised to save it, he wanted to go the extra mile to help.

Now 60-year-old Steve Rayson will run 26.2 miles in a marathon fundraising effort which he hopes will generate £20,000.

Mr Rayson, who runs his own construction company, aims to complete next month's Abingdon Marathon in less than four hours.

He said: "It's a stupid personal challenge. I did the race two years ago and did 4:04 and ever since I've been determined to break four hours.

"Whether I achieve it or not is another matter — as is whether I'll still be standing at the end of it — but at 60 years old this will be the last marathon I do.

"I don't think people are meant to run marathons, it's far too uncomfortable a distance, but I've decided I want to do this to try to help Creation."

The theatre company feared closure after a summer of bad weather affected audience numbers, so it launched a fundraising campaign which has seen people helping from across the county.

Mr Rayson, who lives in St Thomas Street, in central Oxford, said he had been to three Creation Theatre performances and "thoroughly enjoyed them all".

He said: "Since moving to Oxford in January I've seen Much Ado About Nothing, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Measure for Measure, and they've all been brilliant.

"It's a shame we have had such terrible weather this summer which has affected the audiences. I can understand people not wanting to come if it's raining, but I know the theatre company is hopeful of using some of the fundraising money to invest in a shelter so they will be able to guarantee their audience can stay dry."

Mr Rayson is running about 20 miles a week in the lead-up to the marathon.

Many other people have joined Creation Theatre's fundraising campaign. They include arts photographer Peter Wolfes, the Oxford branch of Borders bookstore and Henley Theatre Services.

To find out more or to make a donation call 01865 761393.