A 62-year-old man from Ledbury and his business partner have successfully completed a gruelling multiple marathon in South Africa’s Kalahari desert.

Phillip Howells and Edward Chapman, aged 54, took part in the Augrabies Extreme Marathon during which temperatures reached above 40C.

Earlier this year the pair pitted their fitness against temperatures of minus 40C in the Arctic Circle.

Mr Howells, who had a virus a day before the 237km (148 mile) race, struggled from the start but hung on to a final finish position of 62nd out of 69.

Mr Chapman, of Cornwall, finished in 54th place in the seven-day event. Their efforts raised money for Comrades of Children Overseas.