A student has entered the record books by becoming the youngest person to finish one of the toughest marathons in Sussex.

Will Ellinger, 18, from Lancing College, took part in the Three Forts Marathon which he finished in five hours and 30 minutes.

The marathon starts and finishes in Worthing with the course linking the ancient hill forts of Cissbury, Devil's Dyke and Chanctonbury, taking in more than 3,500ft of ascents.

Will decided to enter as a challenge to teacher Simon Norris.

Dr Norris ran the Three Forts half marathon in 2004 and was going to run the whole race this year so he challenged Will to do the shorter race.

Will, an experienced cross-country runner and long-distance swimmer, decided to tackle the full race instead even though he was only just old enough to qualify.

He said: "It was very tough and I have a few blisters and tired calves to show for it but I did finish the last mile in just ten minutes."

Will raised £500 for St Peter's and St James Hospice in Wivelsfield and finished 128th out of more than 300 entrants.

The marathon is organised by the Rotary Clubs in Worthing, Storrington, Steyning and Henfield in aid of the St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing.