A ROSSENDALE bobby has thanked the generous people of the valley for digging deep into their pockets and helping raise money for a cancer charity.

Haslingden Community Beat Manager PC Gordon McGeechan entered the Great North run alongside his brothers, Ian, 38, a firefighter in Ayrshire and Colin, 43, who runs an NHS science lab working with cancer patients in Scotland.

Gordon, who completed the 13-mile race in 1hr 50mins, has been sponsored by The Delicatessen, in Deardengate, Haslingden, and received a £100 donation from England defender Phil Neville and his wife Julie.

He has already notched up £400 and the money is still rolling in.

All the money raised by the brothers will go towards a prostate cancer charity after an uncle discovered he had the disease.

Gordon, who is married to Paula, and has two children, Harriet, four, and Alice, 15 months, said: "People have been really good. I have participated in half-marathons before but this was a challenge close to the heart because of our uncle and knowing we are helping a worthy cause.

"I really want to thank everyone who sponsored me and made donations, everyone has been very generous."

Gordon is already planning to enter next year's race.

He added: "The atmosphere at this year's race was absolutely fantastic so I'll soon get started on the training again ready to take part in the event in 12 months."

The trio set off from Newcastle and ran to North Shields on Sunday.