Monkey man takes to streets (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Monkey man takes to streets

THERE'S been some monkey business going on in and around Cirencester this week with reports of a giant ape out jogging.

But don't worry, it's not the Cotswold's answer to King Kong, it's just Ollie Wakefield out on a training run.

Gym instructor Ollie is donning the furry suit to run the Great North Run in September and has been practising in full monkey attire.

He is taking part in the famous half marathon to raise money for the Monkey Sanctuary in Looe, Cornwall and CLIC.

He said: "I'm doing it as a monkey because my brother has adopted a monkey at the sanctuary so I thought I would do it for my brother's monkey."

Ollie has raised £300 for the Monkey Sanctuary and the rest of the money he raises is going to CLIC.

Even though he will be running in the monkey suit Ollie is aiming to complete the course in less than two hours.

He said: "I've done six miles in 54 minutes and that's my best so far. I do quite a bit of running anyway but in the suit it's really hot. The body part is not to bad but the head is hard to secure."

Anyone wishing to sponsor Ollie can call him on 01285 831549.