A MAN who ran the Great North Run on his 52nd birthday says it was his most memorable birthday ever.

Gary Jones, of Leverhouse Lane, Leyland ran the half marathon on Sunday, more than a year after he broke his back and nearly died in a paragliding accident.

The fire ground assistant, who finished the race in two hours 15 minutes, said: "The atmosphere there was great, I am so glad I did it, it was my most memorable birthday ever."

Coming in just three minutes behind Gary was Elaine Cocks, health visitor with Chorley and South Ribble Primary Care Trust, working at Yewlands Drive Clinic, Leyland.

Although Elaine, 46, claims she is not a sporty person, she was determined to complete the 13-mile race in Newcastle upon Tyne, and plans to donate money raised to Home-Start which supports families with young children.

Elaine said: "As a health visitor, I can see first hand the value of the work they are providing to families that need them for whatever reason."

Automotive design engineer Les Robinson, 51, of Cedarwood Drive, Leyland, who also took part in the race, raised £350 for the Make-A Wish Foundation UK, finishing in two hours seven minutes.