Steve Bull to cycle 20k Wolverhampton Marathon

The 49-year-old ex-Wolves and England striker will take part in the 20 kilometre cycling race at the annual event, which takes place on September 7.

It is sponsored by Wolverhampton builders merchants Carvers.

Boss Henry Carver said: "It's fantastic to have Steve Bull on board for this year's marathon.

"He has taken part a few times over the years and always does a great job. Having such a local hero on board also helps with promoting the marathon.

"People can forget about how much he does for charity, but I would like to extend my thanks to him for helping us once again with the marathon, he is a great ambassador for this city."

Bully has taken part in the marathon in the past and is looking forward to this year's big event.

He said: "I think people like myself are in a very lucky position where we can raise awareness and money for so many causes, this is just another thing that I do to try and help.

"I think the 20k cycle is fun, anyone can do it, I don't view it as a race because it is such a community thing.

"Personally, it will just be a case of taking my bike out of the garage, pumping the tires up and getting on with it."

Events on the day include a full marathon, half marathon, 10 and 20 kilometre cycle races and children's mini marathon.

Mr Carver added: "My father started sponsoring the marathon it is one of the focal points of our community work.

"It gets all sorts of people involved and it also helps with keeping people in shape.

"With the help of people like Steve Bull and Robert Shotton, whose company Cousins Furniture have kindly helped with sponsoring the event this year, the sky is the limit.

"We want to carry on being part of the fabric of Wolverhampton for years to come."

Last year more than 2,000 fundraisers took part in the Wolverhampton Marathon, including Mr Carver himself.

He said: "I do it every year, its great fun. Once again I shall be taking part in the 20 kilometre cycle.

"I try to shave a couple of minutes off my personal best every year."

To find out how to sign up log onto www.wolverhamptonmarathonevents.co.uk