A local man completed his 10th London Marathon in a row last weekend on a record-breaking day for the race.

Kingsbridge accountant Jim Cording, who celebrates his 81st birthday today , achieved his own personal milestone as a record 39,487 runners completed the gruelling 26.2-mile journey from Blackheath to Westminster, making the 37th edition of the race the biggest in its history by 347 runners.

Cancer survivor Jim was running in aid of the Chestnut Appeal for Prostate Cancer and has raised more than £10,000 over the past decade to help fight the disease after he was diagnosed in 2006.

He completed the course in six hours and 21 minutes and was accompanied by his son Martin who completed his second London Marathon.

Jim admitted that the crowds on the day were once again the main motivation for getting him around the course.

“The support on the day was amazing,” he said. “I would like to thank the four young guys who gave me a hug and the offer of a beer at 23 miles, that was what this day is all about and it has been an honour and privilege to have taken part in this race for the past 10 years. Here’s to many more to help those in need.”

Martin, 43, added that there was no chance of him matching his father’s achievements of the last 10 years.

"Thanks for all your messages of support this weekend,” he said. “I’m more proud of dad, with his 10 straight marathons than of my time of just under four hours. I won’t be doing another nine that’s for certain. It’s been a privilege and an honour hanging out with him this marathon weekend.”