A TWO-time former Southampton mayor, recently given the all clear from prostate cancer, will run with two generations of his family at this weekend's ABP Southampton Marathon.

Councillor Derek Burke will be joined by daughter Maxine Smit and grandson Louis Smit when they take part in the 10k event on Sunday.

The trio will be raising money for charity, Prostate Cancer UK – following councillor Burke's prostate cancer diagnosis last Spring.

Following extensive treatment, the Labour councillor, who was city mayor in 1989 and again in 2012-13, was given the all clear in January this year.

Now councillor Burke, 70, wants to raise awareness of the condition – which impacts one in every nine men and mostly those over the age of 50.

He said: "Obviously when I was diagnosed it was a shock but also a relief because I had some of the symptoms and I didn't feel well for a while.

"But it was also a relief because at least I was aware of what I had.

"Luckily the diagnosis was positive and it was a bit of an experience, but it really does show how good our national health service is."

He added: "I'd advise any chap over the age of 50 to go to their doctor or GP and get checked out - It's a simple blood test."

Daughter Maxine, a teaching assistant at Wordsworth School, and grandson, Louis Smit, 18, a student at City College, will also run the 10k in aid of Prostate Cancer UK.

Maxine had originally planned to announce her and Louis' intention to run as a surprise on the day of the event.

But the pair let slip earlier than planned and they have since trained as a trio.

Councillor Burke said: "We've done a few training sessions together and had a few meetings.

"It'll be reassuring running alongside my family.

"I've always done running and football, so it's nice to pass that running gene on."

Councillor Burke, who will step down as a ward member for Bevois in May after 26 years, has already raised more than £200 so far.

Anyone wishing to help councillor Burke's appeal can give their donations to the Civic Centre reception for collection.