A class assistant has booked her place in the London Marathon, and is running to benefit the children she works with.

Annette Mackerness will be one of tens of thousands of runners taking part in the world-famous long-distance race around the capital on April 13.

For the past year, Mrs Mackerness, a keen runner who has taken part in 10km races before, has been a teaching assistant in Hayes Park School's Acorns Unit, for children with autism spectrum disorders, and she is raising money for National Autistic Society.

"I love my job, and even though it can be quite challenging at times, It is also very rewarding. It is what I have always wanted to do," said the 44-year-old, who lives in Denham.

"I have been lucky enough to gain a place running for the National Autistic Society Team, a charity very close to my heart, as I have the wonderful opportunity to work with children with autism.

"I am looking forward to it. I just want to raise awareness, and as much money as I can"

Not the fundraising, nor the running will not stop after the race; the school, in Raynton Drive, Hayes will be holding an activities day for the charity later in April, and Mrs Mackerness has committed to running between some of the borough's schools in a bid to smash through the £1,800 fundraising target.

Deb Barlow, headteacher at Hayes Park, said: "We’re thrilled that Annette has chosen to run the marathon in aid of the National Autistic Society. Working in our dedicated Acorns unit has given her experience of the valuable work they do.

"We wish Annette all the best for April."

Thanks to school collections and generous donations which have come in since the end of last year, more than £1,400 is already banked.

If you would like to support Annette and the National Autistic Society, donate at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Annette.Mackerness

If you live or work in Hillingdon borough and will be running in this year's London Marathon, we would like to hear from you. Send your name, address, contact details, place of work, the charity you are raising sponsorship for, and the reason behind your chosen charity to editorialuxbridge@trinitysouth.co.uk. Alternatively, post your details on the Get West London facebook pages: www.facebook.com/getwestlondon