This marathon-running ‘elephant’ from Otley raised £1,500 for charity.

Environmental consultant James Richardson ran the first Plusnet Yorkshire Marathon as ‘Mac the elephant’, wearing a full-body costume.

The 29-year-old undertook the challenge as a gesture of thanks to Macmillan Cancer Support for the "incredible" support they have given his mother, Geraldine, who is living with breast cancer.

James, from Moor View Farm, was delighted to complete the York-based run - but amits the elephant suit made the going tough.

He said: "'Mac' was incredibly hot and sweaty but I really enjoyed the day and the support provided by spectators. There was a fantastic turn out.

"I'm really stiff and slow now but think that's to be expected.

"I managed to keep his head on for about 50 per cent of the time, taking it off around the drink stops (every three miles) where I drank on average two bottles of water and Lucozade, when it was available.”

The Yorkshire Marathon is staged by Marathon Yorkshire Ltd, a sister company to Run For All, the fundraising organisation set up in memory of the late Jane Tomlinson CBE.