John runs the show

The Forum for the Advancement of Continuing Education's annual get-together, which takes place in Southampton next month, is not for the faint-hearted.

While it is not uncommon for conference delegates to prop up the bar until the small hours catching up on gossip, the thought of what awaits them the following day could deter all but the most foolhardy.

At 7am sharp every morning, before they get their breakfast, delegates will be offered the chance to participate in a 45-minute "conference jog" led by the organisation's chair, John Storan of South Bank University.