Prince Harry becomes patron to ninth charity

Britain's Prince Harry will become patron of the London Marathon Charitable Trust from next year.

The third in line to the throne - who already lends his patronage to eight other charities - has announced his three-year involvement with the trust, which offers financial support to provide recreation facilities in London.

During the last 30 years, the charity, which was set up in 1981, has allocated more than £40.5 million to communities, and this year alone has given grants worth more than £5 million, including one for redevelopment at Hackney Marshes in North London.

John Disley, who co-founded the marathon and the trust said: "Prince Harry will be a fantastic patron as we move into our fourth decade."

Last month the 26-year-old prince revealed if his current military training allows he hopes to join an expedition to the North Pole for with the Wounded, another charity he patronises which helps injured troops return to work.

A Clarence House spokesperson said: "He would still very much love to join the expedition, and if he can, he will. However, his military training commitments mean he will not know for some weeks whether this is going to be possible, so in the meantime, he is following preparations closely."