SCORES of runners from across Worcestershire were among the thousands who gathered at the starting line of the London Marathon.

Athletes both young and old ran the 26.2 mile course on Sunday, April 23 – with countless runners also raising thousands of pounds for an array of charities.

Among the Worcester runners was Thomas Bennett, who finished in 3 hours 40 minutes and raised almost £3,000 for The National Brain Appeal charity.

The 25-year-old, from the Lower Wick area, has a neurological disorder that causes a tremor in his left arm and leg.

“I found the marathon so much tougher than I expected but I’m really happy with my time,” he said. “It is an experience I will never forget.”

County runners fundraising on behalf of St Richard’s Hospice managed to raise a staggering £42,000 for its vital care.

Posting on the Worcester News Facebook page, Helen Griffee, of St Richard’s Hospice, said: “A massive thank you to all our St Richard’s London Marathon runners on their amazing achievements! We are all so proud of you and full of admiration for the determination and commitment which took you over the line.

“It’s been an inspiration to support you.”

Finishing the course in four hours 47 minutes was Inger Anson, of Worcester legal firm Harrison Clark Rickerbys, who raised around £2,200 for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

Her colleague Anita Hennessey was running for St Richard’s and raised more than £2,000.

James Gilbert, of Malvern car company Morgan, raised more than £10,500 for the British Heart Foundation when he ran in memory of his dad, who died in 2015 of a heart attack.

A record 39,487 runners took part in the marathon, raising an expected £60 million for different charities.

The ballot opens for the 2018 race on Monday, May 1.