An East Lancashire school teacher has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records.

Raja Aslam, who teaches at QEGS in Blackburn has had his name printed in the famous book following his efforts last year to complete a virtual marathon around the town.

Mr Aslam is among 37,966 other people who ran the event in their own villages, towns and cities as part of the 24-hour challenge organised by the London Marathon.

A teacher in the primary phase at QEGS, Mr Aslam managed to raise a massive £6,305 for the Penny Appeal by completing the 26.2 miles around Blackburn.

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Mr Aslam, 32, said: “I was amazed to receive recognition from Guinness World Records and feel really proud to be part of a huge group of people who have made 2020 a year to remember for all the right reasons.

"It was the toughest thing I have ever done but I know the donations from my family and friends, along with the amazing support from the QEGS community, have made a huge difference to lives of people in Africa.

"I want to say thank you to every single person who has sent me a message, donated and congratulated me on the marathon.”

Raja Aslam has made it to the Guinness World Records

Raja Aslam has made it to the Guinness World Records

The dad-of-two only took up running in 2019, and since then has completed half marathons as well as running 5km every day during Ramadan in 2020.

The Guinness World Record Mr Aslam is part of is ‘Most Users to Run a Remote Marathon in 24 hours’, which took place on October 4 last year.

He will feature in this year’s annual publication.