Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant joins mega marathon for Blackpool's Big Red Night Bus

The runners, including Emmerdale actor Joe-Warren Plant, the Blackpool Freedom Runners, Bannatyne Gym members, and Amazing Graze soup kitchen volunteers will depart from Skegness on July 15 with the aim of arriving at the finish line at Starr Gate, Blackpool, on July 17.

They hope to raise £10,000 for the renovation of the Big Red Night Bus, a bright red London double-decker which will provide homeless people with safe overnight accommodation.

READ: Work about to start to transform London double decker into 'Big Red Night Bus' for Blackpool's homeless population

Sean Ryan, event organiser, said: “This is all about creating funds for the Big Red Night Bus in Blackpool. It was one way to raise moneyw without just asking for it.

"There is currently no emergency homeless shelter in Blackpool – not one. With that in mind, we were donated the bus and we wanted to make good us of it, and so that’s what we did.

"The bus is at Blackpool coachworks and being done up, but we need that bit more to finish it off. We’ve raised £40,000 already, but we need to get to £90,000.

“We’re just hoping we can get it finished by the end of the summer so we can get it rolling for winter.”

Participants in the coast to coast marathon will run in a relay, each covering between eight and ten miles at a time, from 8am until 8pm each day.

Supporters are invited to gather at the finish line for light refreshments and celebrations.