WALES rugby star Sam Warburton has given Vale MP Alun Cairns tips to on how to tackle the upcoming Virgin Money London Marathon.

Mr Cairns met with the Welsh rugby legend to discuss training methods at the Vale Resort earlier this month.

The duo met as both are supporting the NSPCC over the next year, with Mr Cairns fundraising for the children’s charity by running the marathon and the Cardiff Blues player choosing the NSPCC as the main beneficiary of his testimonial year.

Mr Cairns hopes to raise more than £2,000 for the NSPCC and Vale-based domestic abuse charity Atal y Fro by taking on the 26.2 mile course for the sixth time on Sunday, April 22.

Mr Cairns holds the record for fastest serving MP at 3hr 28min 2sec.

Mr Cairns said: “Both causes are really worthwhile and make a big difference to people’s lives. It’s serving as extra encouragement when I’m pounding the pavements during training for the big day.”

To sponsor Mr Cairns visit goo.gl/d4s61V