A RUNNER who tackled three marathons in as many days has raised more than £1,000 for Bury Hospice.

Paul Gorrill took on the epic challenge on Devon's Jurassic Coast in March, navigating the challenging terrain along the picturesque course.

The 43-year-old also had his fundraising efforts boosted by pupils at St Thomas's Primary School, where wife Lesley is a teaching assistant, when they took part in a run around Openshaw Park.

Mr Gorrill, a teacher a Bury College, said: "We were supposed to do 76 miles, but I think we ended up running 87 because they're pretty laid back about the distances down there.

"It was fantastic - we had brilliant weather and the scenery is amazing on the Jurassic Coast. There was plenty to take your mind off the running and the support from everyone who did it was great.

"The hardest part was first thing in the morning. By the third day, you felt stiff as a board for the first few miles.

"You are running on pebble beaches, coastal paths, and a lot of countryside. You are right on the edge of the coast, it's a great place to run."

Mr Gorrill, of Walmersley Road, has also thanked the local businesses who donated prizes for a raffle. They were Bury Roller Rink, Mr Simms' Sweet Shop, Costa Coffee, A and F Bowling, Tompsons chip shop, Millie's Cookies, Urban Menswear, The Body Shop, McDonald's, and H Samuel, and artist Deceived Ink.

He added: "It's something I would really like to do again if I have the time and the energy.

"Over the three days we climbed something like 11,000 feet, which is quite a test. You also have to go around with a compass and a bit of survival gear. You get a map every day and you always have to check you're heading in the right direction.

"We did take a few wrong turns, but managed to find our way in the end.

"If anyone is thinking of doing it then I would definitely recommend it."