YOUNG athletes can compete to represent Lewisham in a UK-wide marathon.

Top talent will be spotted at trials for the Virgin Money Giving Mini London Marathon on March 2 from 9.30am.

The three mile run for 11 to 17-year-olds will take place at Ladywell Arena with races staggered into three age categories.

Top runners will then be selected to compete in the national marathon on April 21.

Lewisham Council’s cabinet member for community services and older people Councillor Chris Best said: "We take great pride in nurturing young sporting talent in Lewisham.

"Taking part in these trials is a fantastic opportunity for our young people and I hope that lots of our budding young athletes will be inspired to enter."

The deadline to enter the trials is February 28 and applications can be picked up from Lewisham schools, libraries, leisure centres or downloaded from lewisham.gov.uk/minimarathon