SUPERFIT Dave Moretta built up his stamina serving in several tours with the army, but his latest challenge is going to leave him feeling exhausted.

The 28-year-old, from Ribchester, is attempting to run 355 miles in four days - without sleeping.

Mr Moretta, who has previously completed 18 marathons in 18 days, hopes the feat will earn him a world record for the most miles ever ran non-stop by an individual.

The father-of-two is hoping to snatch the record from American Dean Kanazes, who ran 350 miles in 2005.

Mr Moretta, a former Ribblesdale High School student, will travel to Inverness in Scotland on July 5 with his eight-man safety team to start the run to Preston the following day.

The 28-year-old said he expects the run to last the whole four days and the rules ban him from sleeping during the challenge.

In preparation, Mr Moretta has been running 125 miles a week, depriving himself of sleep and recently completed a 200 mile run without rest.

Before taking up long-distance running, Mr Moretta joined the army in 2003, aged 16.

He served in countries including Iraq, Germany and Cyprus as a Kingsman in the Duke of Lancaster Regiment before leaving in 2008.

For more information on Dave's challenge or to donate visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/18marathons18days