A TV actor who learned her trade in Loughton has been running through the Epping Forest in preparation for a half marathon.

Holly Matthews, who went to the East 15 in Rectory Lane and has recently appeared in the BBC drama Waterloo Road, will take part in the Great North Run in Newcastle in September.

“I am running for the British Heart Foundation after my Grandad died last year of a heart attack,” she said. “I did it once before when I was in Biker Grove. I didn't do any training at all for it and I hurt for about a week after, so that's stuck in the back of my mind when I'm training.”

She added that she had run from Loughton through the forest with her sister, who still lives in the town.

“It was hard work, but it's a good place to train,” she added.

To sponsor Holly, visit the website www.justgiving.com/holly-matthews