A WORTH Valley teacher spent Good Friday running an ultramarathon in his back yard.

John Parkin, who teaches at Stanbury School, raised £2,675 after setting out to raise money for Manorlands to help with its funding crisis.

The keen long-distance runner started at 6am on Good Friday as part of the national Cockbain Events Isolation Ultra Challenge and ended up running for 18 hours.

He covered 66.6 miles on a course only 15 metres in length, meaning he had to make 107 circuits for each mile.

Mr Parkin said it felt really strange to finish the run, which he decided to continue until he became too tired.

"Once I’d taken the lead the motivation to carry on wasn’t quite the same, and so much money had come in that it was unbelievable.

"Running in such small circles was a fascinating experience compared to running on the fells. Luckily I have a good imagination!

"It would have been nice to go a bit further I think, on reflection. Maybe I’ll have another go at it someday."

In 2017 Mr Parkin, who is in his 40s, came first overall in the 2017 Deadwater Ultramarathon.

The Deadwater Ultramarathon was designed to be the toughest race of its kind in the world, with no rest day and a daunting 60 miles and 9,000 feet of ascent to be completed on day four.

The Cockbain Events Isolation Ultra Challenge involves people running as far as they can in their garden or yard, with only a one-hour rest stop, between now and April 30.