RUNNERS from across the Vale did the region proud when they took part in this year's London Marathon on Sunday and raised thousands of pounds between them for charity.

Among those participating were Dan Etheridge, a 25-year-old from Offenham, who completed his first full marathon in just over five hours and raised more than £1,200 for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign at the same time.

Mr Etheridge, who has done long-distance running for the past five years, said the encouragement from the sidelines was unbelievable but the heat took its toll and the sheer number of people taking part made running in a straight line difficult.

But the feeling of achievement when he crossed over the finishing line made the experience worthwhile and he said he'd definitely do it again, but perhaps not for a couple of years.

The race did not exactly go to plan for Nigel Canning of Lower Moor, whose referee fancy dress costume got in the way of some serious running.

Mr Canning, aged 41, completed the gruelling 26 miles so he could raise money for the County Air Ambulance despite suffering painful blisters.

He already has more than 300 sponsors, who he would like to thank for their support, and is expecting more now the marathon is over.

This year's experience has not deterred him from running again next year and attempting to beat his personal best.

Two runners for The Tracy Sollis Leukaemia Trust also successfully completed the course.

Paul Carter, from Hampton, triumphantly passed the finishing line with the trust's mascot, Helpful Harry the Hedgehog, after five-and-a-half hours.

David Turner, from Waterside, Evesham, celebrated a double achievement after colleagues at Northcot Bricks said they would double their sponsorship if he completed the marathon in less than four hours.

David crossed the finishing line with just four minutes to spare, in a time of three hours and 56 minutes, and has now raised more than £2,000.