IF you've spotted a rhino pounding the streets of Amersham, you're not seeing things.

It's Old Town resident Frank Smits getting into training for the Paris Marathon on April 15, which he will be doing whilst wearing a rhino costume.

The Dutchman admits to questioning his sanity as he prepares to run 26.2 miles in the 7ft, 16 pound costume while raising money for Save The Rhino International.

The 46-year-old said: "I've run once as a rhino before, in New York City in 2005. It was by far the most painful experience I have ever had.

"I said I would never do that again. But it was also the most satisfying experience, so seven years later I'm getting up again to run ever longer distances, training for the Paris Marathon, carrying a backpack with 7.5 kg of weight on my back. I must be mad."

Mr Smits is hoping to raise £3,000 for the charity, having been to Kenya in 2001 to see how money from Save The Rhino is spent - a trip he described as "very impressive and touching".

To sponsor him go to www.justgiving.com/Frank-Smits.