RUNNERS from across the Craven area clocked up strong efforts competing in the London Marathon.

Having never run a marathon before, Oliver Gee, 26, a former pupil of Ermysted's Grammar School, achieved two targets, finishing the marathon in under three hours (two hours, 55 minutes and 33 seconds) and raising over £2,000 for the mental health charity Mind.

"I am raising money for Mind in memory of my dad and uncle," said Oliver. "My dad struggled with depression for his last years before taking his own life in 2011, something that had a massive impact on myself and my family. My uncle also suffered with depression for many years and passed away earlier this year from a heart attack."

"Both my dad and uncle suffered from a lack of awareness and support for mental health issues. Mind are working hard to change this by providing everyone in need with support and treating them with the dignity they deserve."

Andrew Sharpe, 28, who plays for Addingham FC, completed his second London Marathon in a time of four hours and 26 minutes, beating his 2013 time by just 40 seconds and in the process raising £3,500 for children's cancer charity Clic Sargent.

"I would like to personally thank James Broome and Livi Herbert for their support with the fundraising," said Andrew, of Ilkley. "They've been incredible and were a key inspiration during the marathon when the pain kicked in."

"Another major part of my achievement was the support shown by my close friend Charlotte Robinson. She recently completed the 2016 Sheffield Half Marathon, so hopefully we'll be running full marathons together soon. I also appreciate everyone who has donated during the past few months."

Sharon Leverton, of Hellifield, whose husband Andrew David-Leverton ran in the London Marathon and raised more than £900 for Brain Tumour Research and Support, said: "He completed it in five hours, 29 minutes and 17 seconds. He's not a runner and he's had quite a good time, so we're very proud of him.

"Andrew (a cyclist who has already completed the Lands End to John O' Groats challenge) says he'll do never do another marathon again, but he is looking for his next challenge."

Sharon Hudson, of Skipton, finished the London Marathon with a time of three hours, 37 minutes and 55 seconds, which she said was quicker than her time in the marathon 18 years ago.

Sharon, 47, who works at Craven District Council, said: "It was a brilliant and absolutely fantastic day. It was perfect running conditions."

Sharon, who was allocated a place in the marathon through the Keighley and Craven Athletics Club, said several local schoolchildren also ran in the three-mile mini-marathon road race on the day, including her son Joe, 14, a pupil at Skipton Academy.

Along with Joe, Tom Barrett, 15, of Gargrave; Harvey Lewis, 12, of Thornton-in-Craven; Lilli Carr, 12, of Kildwick; and Ermysted's pupil James Lund, 16, represented Keighley and Craven AC; and Alice Jones, 12, ran for Wharfedale Athletics Club.