A BACKGAMMON enthusiast is attempting to play the game for 12 hours straight to raise money for charity.

Guy Shennan, from Bethnal Green, has had a little practice though – two years ago he tackled crosswords for half a day and raised �750.

The cash he raises during this stint will go to the Tower Hamlets & Jenin Friendship Association.

Jenin is a city in Palestine West’s Bank and money will go towards a mobile health centre.

Every year the group organises for one or more Palestinians to visit London to build links between the city and war-torn nation and money would also go towards this.

Mr Shennan said: “I thought backgammon would be an appropriate game because it started in the Middle East and is very popular in that part of the world.”

The challenge takes place on Saturday February 12 at the Camel pub, in Globe Road, Bethnal Green from 11am to 11pm.