URMSTON resident Andrew Shenton is a world record breaker with a difference - and he's also raised serious money for charity.

He has become the fastest person to complete a marathon in a full Elf costume by crossing the finishing line of the London Marathon in less than four hours.

Andrew completed the course in three hours, 54 minutes and five seconds.

He said he was "delighted" to discover he'd won a place in the record books.

Andrew said: "As I crossed the finish line I was greeted by a Guinness World Record official who informed me that I had achieved the world record. I was delighted, despite being exhausted, and I can’t wait to receive my certificate in the post as well as having my name in the Guinness World Record book later this year."

So far, the 39-year-old from Hereford Grove has also raised £2,000 for Oxfam and he said Messenger readers still have time to donate.

He said he was "overwhelmed" by the support he received when taking part in the event.

Andrew added: "The spectators were really getting behind me and spurring me on. It was great to have family there cheering for me and it felt like a real team effort as there were many other people who were also running for Oxfam."

He's a veteran of five marathons and said he trained five times a week to prepare for the London event.

Running in such unusual attire also adds to the challenge, he said.

Andrew added: "Unfortunately, curly elf shoes aren’t very aerodynamic and I suspect I’ll continue to hear the jingling bells on my outfit long after the marathon has finished."

* Anyone interested in supporting Andrew should visit justgiving.com/Andrew-Shenton or you can donate £3 by texting ‘ELFY66 £3’ to 70070.