Croydon’s top cop has assembled a crack team of bobbies to take on ten marathons in ten days for charity Help for Heroes.

Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts and his crew plan to cover 272 miles across the Pennine Way after setting out on their mammoth trek last week.

The team also includes dog handler PC Danny Borthwick, Inspector Chris Young, public order instructor PC Nick Young and dog training instructor PC Bob Hewings.

More than £16,000 has already been raised by the runners, smashing their initial sponsorship target of £10,000.

A special charity ball and auction was held at the Selsdon Park hotel last month, with bidders vying for a match-day box at Crystal Palace FC, meals at Michelin-starred restaurants and a holiday to St Lucia.

Chief Supt Roberts said: “This is a massive task, but one that we’re hoping will help raise lots of money for all the families that are supported by Help for Heroes.

“I’d like to thank, on behalf of the team, all of the people and organisations that have donated money or prizes, who have helped us to raise over £16k already.

“Our original target was £10k, but we’re hopeful we can push on and break £20k - that really would be fantastic and make all the pain and blisters worthwhile.”

More information is available online at penninerunh4h.org.