PARCHED Dale Connearn is looking forward to his first beer this weekend after giving up booze for five months to help him complete the Blackpool marathon.

The former Stacksteads councillor gave up alcohol on New Year's Eve -- and hasn't touched a drop since.

But, despite his noble effort, he didn't beat his personal best time of three hours and eight minutes, which he was aiming to do.

The father of three, who shed three stones to get in shape for last Sunday's Blackpool marathon, is glad it's all over so he can put his feet up and take time out of his intensive training regime.

Dale, 39, of Dale Street, Bacup, who completed the 26.2 miles in three hours and 17 minutes, said: "The main thing is that I completed it.

"I was on course to run it in under three hours up until mile 20, but then I crashed full on into 'the wall' and there was no coming back from that.

"My body is now in bits, with hips, knees and ankles having taken a real pounding -- I need welding back together now."

Dale, who works at Bacup and Stacksteads Community Partnership, added: "The good thing is that now I can look forward to having my first drink of 2004 after being an alcohol-free temple since New Year's Eve. I think the fumes will be enough to knock me over now."

The fund-raising champion has already clocked up more than £10,000 for local charities in recent years.

He is still collecting sponsorship to boost the grand total yet again. This year he is donating the funds to the Aged, Blind and Disabled Centre, in Bacup, which is now being run by a trust and Stacksteads Riverside Park Group.

Cheques should be made payable to the AB and D Centre, and can be sent to 2 Dale Street, Bacup, OL13 8AP.