MARATHON runners from Burnley's St Theodore's High School completed the 26-mile slog round London - but were then stranded on trains after vandals attacked signals at Milton Keynes.

Teacher Pat McKiernan, who was making his third marathon run, said: "They had damaged a cable which goes to the signal box, causing all the trains to be delayed. You just don't need that after you have completed a marathon."

The vandalism caused Mr McKeirnan to miss his connection in Preston and three of the runners, students Jonathan Russell, John Robertson and Andrew Kelly, did not get back into Burnley until 1.30am today.

Completing the line-up of the magnificent seven from the school were teachers Michael Wright, Francis Swarbrick and catering assistant Beverley Norwood.

They raised £3,000 for the national charity Look for blind children or those with impaired vision.

First back in four hours 56 secs was Beverley, with Mr McKiernan just two minutes later. Some of the students suffering knee injuries.

The school ran a competition to win a trip to see the marathon which was won by physical education teacher at the school Dave Preedy, whose daughter Marie was also running.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.