People from across the Keighley district have together raised thousands of pounds for different charities after taking part in the London Marathon.

They contended with balmy conditions on Sunday to complete the famous 26.2-mile course around the capital.

Keighley News editor Richard Parker, 40, tackling his first marathon, finished in just over five hours 11 minutes.

He has collected more than £2,000 for Manorlands hospice, the paper’s chosen charity for the past 12 months.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have completed the London Marathon for such a superb cause,” he said.

“It was an incredible experience. Muscles around my broken spine gave out at 15 miles, but there was no way I wasn’t going to cross that line and receive my medal!

“Support from the many thousands of people lining the streets was unbelievable and spurred me on, as did the many good wishes from supporters back home in Yorkshire. I can’t thank them all enough for helping me achieve this goal.”

Others taking part included Oakworth resident Chris Metcalfe, 26, who was running in aid of the National Osteoporosis Society.

His mum, Jenny, who lives at Skipton, has the condition.

Mr Metcalfe, contract manager for Bulloughs Cleaning Services, raised over £1,200.

“It was my first marathon and by far the best experience I’ve ever had – the day was amazing and the crowd support was overwhelming,” he said.

“To top it off, I have raised more money than I anticipated for the National Osteoporosis Society.”

Keighley woman Manjit Peacock dressed as comic superhero Wonder Woman for the event, and finished in four hours and 39 seconds. She was fundraising for Unicef.

“I was a bit hot but some of the other people who were dressed up were dressed as furry bananas and so my costume was quite cool really,” she said.

Manorlands was also being supported by Keighley man Robert Morrisroe, who entered the ballot for a place in the event “as a bit of fun”.

He completed the course in just over five hours 46 minutes and raised about £700 in sponsorship and donations.

Glusburn resident Melissa Joy, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis last year, raised more than £4,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. She crossed the finishing line in five hours 45 minutes and 37 seconds.

Keighley nursery nurse Lee Asquith – who was taking part in support of Children with Cancer UK – completed the event in just under four hours 30 minutes, and Stockbridge resident Carl Whale – running for Lupus UK – finished in just under five hours nine minutes.