WARRINGTON Borough Council leader Cllr Terry O'Neill has been appointed as a trustee of the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Cllr O'Neill (LAB – Burtonwood and Winwick) was nominated by the Local Government Association (LGA) to replace Cllr Sonja Crisp, who is retiring.

The trust was created in 1981 by Chris Brasher and John Disley, the founders of the London Marathon, to meet one of their aims to raise money for sport and recreational facilities.

Their vision was that the surplus from the London Marathon and all future events organised by London Marathon Events Ltd would go to the trust.

Cllr O'Neill said: "I'm proud to be appointed to such an important charity.

"The work that the trust does to inspire and help people to get active is vital to the health and wellbeing of the nation."

Sir Rodney Walker, chairman of the London Marathon Charitable Trust, added: "Terry's experience in the world of community sport brings invaluable experience to the trust and we are delighted to welcome him to the board."

Cllr O'Neill has been leader of the council since 2011 and is a member of the LGA national culture, tourism and sport board.

Furthermore, he is the chairman of the board of trustees of the Warrington Wolves Charitable Foundation and also chairs the rugby league development management board.