Rugby hero Kevin Sinfield's ultra-marathon fundraiser helped charity supporters collect more than £1,500 on the seafront in just a few hours.

The England rugby coach  was in Brighton earlier this month for the sixth day of his seven-day challenge where he ran an ultramarathon every day.

Kevin’s aim was to raise £777,777 for motor neurone disease (MND) charities to reflect his seven-day challenge in seven cities.

The 43-year-old decided to take on the emotional challenge after seeing his friend and ex-Leeds Rhinos teammate Rob Burrow living with MND.

The penultimate day on December 6 saw Kevin run along the seafront, past Brighton's Palace Pier and to the marina in tribute to Brighton College chemistry teacher Pete Bellenger, who died from MND last year.

Kevin, who finished his effort with an ultramarathon in London the following day, said: “It has absolutely chucked it down and been freezing and windy, then we came to Brighton and get the sunshine and blue skies. We were really happy to be here and gave it our best shot.

“The team have really enjoyed being here. We got in at midnight and everyone has been so welcoming and fantastic with us.

“We have loved running around the city. It has been brilliant, we have had a great time.”

Kevin ran 27 miles in the Brighton, adding an extra mile to the usual 26-mile marathon at the end to encourage others to help their friends through tough times.

Now, seafront fundraisers are celebrating the total of £1,673.91 which they collected while they walked along the seafront behind Kevin and his team.

Elsa Gillio, who was part of the Brighton collection team, said: “It was a magnificent day and a big thank you to everyone who contributed.”

Kevin and the team smashed their target and raised more than £1 million for Motor Neurone Disease Association, Leeds Hospitals Charity, The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.

Kevin and Rob are set to be honoured by the King in the new year following the campaign.