A married couple with a passion for Tar Barrels are hoping to raise thousands for the event by racing three coastal marathons in as many days.

Raleigh Road residents Guy and Tracey Paddon begin their challenge next Friday to help the event’s committee raise funds to keep the tradition rolling for years to come.

The 84-mile course will see them run from Charmouth to Portland on day one, from Portland to Lulworth Cov,e before running 30 miles on the final day to Studland Bay.

The marathons are self-navigating, with the couple stopping at three checkpoints along the route and climbing 11,000 feet over the course of the three days.

The tradition has been a big part of the family’s life, as Guy rolled barrels when he was younger. He has also been a member of the Tar Barrel committee since he was 19

The 48-year-old, who is also assistant treasurer, said: “My wife Tracey and I, decided to run this challenge to help raise as much as we can to help keep this tradition going as our insurance alone is in excess of £20,000.

“So many local businesses, clubs, schools and organisations benefit from funds raised on barrel night, so it is an integral part of the town and rolling the barrels goes back generations in some families, if this event was to stop, it would be a travesty for the whole community.

“My father was on the committee about 50 years ago and was chairman for a couple of those, I joined the committee 30 years ago because I used to roll the barrels and wanted to help keep this amazing tradition going.

“With all of the escalating costs with insurance and health and safety, we have never needed funds as we do now.”

The couple also hope to take on coastal marathons in North Devon in May and in Cornwall in October to boost their fundraising.

Guy said: “We haven’t got a target in mind but we would like to raise a few thousand.”

To donate, visit the Tar Barrel website and https://www.tarbarrels.co.uk/donate/