Sussex runners raised thousands for charity in the world's biggest marathon.

Dozens of athletes and fun runners from across the county were among 40,000 people taking part in the Flora London Marathon yesterday.

They included Catherine Gower and Lorraine Griffiths from Bosham, near Chichester, who ran for Children With Leukaemia.

Both decided to mark their 40th birthdays by taking part in the marathon. Lorraine, landlady of the Berkeley Arms, was not sure of her time.

She said: "I forgot to start my watch but I think it was about four hours and 40 minutes.

"It all went very well up to 18 miles when I got a bit tired and slowed down.

"Catherine had to leave me behind and run on ahead. She finished in four hours and four minutes."

She added: "It was a fantastic experience and I have raised more than £2,000 for the charity. But one marathon is enough and I definitely will not be doing it again."

They were joined by celebrities and runners in fancy dress costumes which ranged from chickens to a metal dragon.

Famous names taking part included Olympic rowing hero Sir Steve Redgrave and celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay.

Katie Austin and Gordon Fryer, from Romsey, Hampshire, ran in their wedding clothes and got married halfway around the course. Ms Austin's parents, Tina and Bob, gave her away at Tower Bridge.

Other Sussex competitors included pensioner Bill Young who took part a week before his 70th birthday.

Bill, from Newhaven, ran despite being diagnosed with prostate cancer before taking part in his 93rd marathon two years ago. He is determined not to let the disease spoil his dream of completing 100 marathons.

Iain Millard, 47, of Bannings Vale, Saltdean, was hoping to beat his personal best time of just under five hours.

Last year, the ex-RAF man, who is registered blind, crossed the line in 5hrs 26mins.

Roy Chapman, 41, of Well Green Lane, Kingston, near Lewes, ran as part of his plan to finish 12 marathons in a year.

Felix Limo won the men's race in two hours, six minutes and 38 secs. American Deena Kastor won the women's race in two hours, 19 minutes and 36 seconds.