A RUNNER is getting ready to live his dream at last after finally securing a place in the London Marathon at the TENTH attempt.

Unlucky Kingsley Banks, of Holland-on-Sea, has been trying to take part in the famous marathon for a decade.

He entered the ballot every year in a desperate bid to join the ranks of runners pouring through the streets of London.

But each year he has been unsuccessful – until now.

At the tenth time of asking, he has managed to secure his place on the marathon start line after signing up to run for St Helena Hospice.

Kingsley, 47, who manages Clacton town centre electronics store Grantleys, said: “I’ve been trying to get in for years, but it has just never happened.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I used to play a lot of football in my younger days and afterwards I took up running and loved it. Every time I put in for the ballot and failed, it became a little more disheartening. But so many people apply and it is just the luck of the draw, and I was very unlucky.”

This year, he secured one of the limited charity places through St Helena Hospice and will raise sponsorship for the cause.

Kingsley said: “When I took the phone call from the hospice saying I was in, it was just fantastic.

“I would have kept applying for a couple more years, but I wanted to take a shot at it before I got too old and age is creeping up on me a little bit.”

Kingsley is already running 16- mile distances and said he would be up to speed for the April event.

He added: “I can’t wait. I’ve spoken to an awful lot of people and they all say it’s the atmosphere and setting which makes it so special.

“It’s going to be a dream come true.”