INVERCLYDE'S fancy dress marathon man is set to don a kilt and tackle a different kind of event.

Tommy 'the clown' Armstrong has set aside his usual 26-mile runs to take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk instead.

The 77-year-old will take part in the Big Stroll, a 15-mile walk starting in Clydebank and ending at Moss O Balloch Park, this weekend.

The veteran fundraiser - who has managed to raise more than £252,000 for charities since 1984 - will be raising money for Mary's Meals at the event on Sunday.

This is the first time that Tommy has participated in the event and he will combine his clown outfit with the kilt.

Tommy said: "I have always enjoyed fundraising and helping out charities.

"I am getting older but didn't want to stop fundraising so I signed up for the Kiltwalk.

"I am really looking forward to it, I think it will be a great event."

Tommy is known throughout Britain for taking part in races dressed as a clown, including the London Marathon and the Great North Run.

With less than a week until the event Tommy isn't worried about last-minute training.

He said: "I will just take it at my own pace, I am not in a hurry.

"I like to enjoy the event while trying to raise as much money as I can for my chosen charity.

"I have raised money for Mary's Meals before and hope to be able to give them more money after the event.

"I'll keep going with my fundraising and the more charities and good causes that benefit the better."

Mary's Meals now reaches 1,257,278 children, providing them with a daily meal in their place of education in 15 different countries and the charity is grateful for all the support they receive.

Mary’s Meals fundraising officer, Morven Macgillivray, said: “We are extremely grateful to Tommy for helping us to transform the lives of more hungry children by fundraising for Mary’s Meals.

“Without such generosity our work to feed children in impoverished countries, every school day, would not be possible. Good luck to Tommy and to everyone taking part in the Kiltwalk!”