WWII vet completes marathon

A World War II veteran has become the oldest person to complete the Druridge Bay 10 km race.

Hadston resident Albert Shucksmith, who is 91 years old, finished the contest in two hours and 40 minutes, the Northumberland Gazette reports.

Mr Shucksmith had to contest with poor weather conditions as he battled his way through the rain dressed in full army regalia and passed under a guard of honour formed by Army Cadets at the finishing line.

He said after the challenge: "I’ve really enjoyed it and I’m pleased I managed to finish the 10k. I’m now looking forward to relaxing with a nice cup of tea."

The participant served with the Lincolnshire Regiment of the Royal Artillery during the war, which he finished while stationed at Cocos Islands.

It was recently reported a fellow World War Two veteran is still keeping active, as 87-year-old Doug Gregory is the oldest stunt pilot in Britain and regularly takes to the sky in his hand-built SE5A fighter biplane replica.

Posted by Samantha Thompson