A COUPLE who only discovered their passion for running in their 60s are proving age is just a number as they prepare to take part in their first Great North Run (GNR).

Miriam and Astley Fenwick, of Stainton, Teesdale, decided to take up the hobby after signing up for a Couch to 5k scheme with the Teesdale Athletic Club, in 2015.

The couple, who are semi-retired from their energy management consultancy business, said they decided to join the programme in an attempt to get more active and found it so enjoyable that they became full members.

Mr Fenwick, 68, said: "We started going to the Couch to 5k with a view that we needed to somehow get a bit fitter and joining the club seemed to be a good way of getting into running because it's a 12 week programme.

"At the end of the programme there club host a 5k run and we did it at their annual Santa Run in the snow.

"Now we have gone from 5k to doing 12 miles yesterday even though we only meant to do ten."

Mr Fenwick said he and Mrs Fenwick, who have volunteered at the GNR in the past, were really excited to take part in the challenge.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to it; it's going to be a really great atmosphere."

The couple will be raising funds for the disability charity Scope and have already received more than £400 in sponsorship which has also involved them holding coffee mornings.

Mr and Mrs Fenwick, 64, will be joined by several fellow club members including others who are taking their first half marathon.

Talking about the club Mr Fenwick said: "It's a great way to keep fit but also a good way of meeting people as well and getting encouragement from them.

"We actually all have different talents, different speeds and different distances but we all look out for each other."

A club spokesman said: "Teesdale Athletic Club are hugely proud of husband and wife duo Astley and Miriam Fenwick who have proved that age is no impediment to success, progressing through a Couch to 5k programme and now broadening their horizons to participate in their first half marathon at the Great North Run.

"Both Astley and Miriam are thrilled with their progress and their efforts are an excellent example of the benefits of taking on new challenges."

To sponsor Mr Fenwick visit justgiving.com/fundraising/astley-fenwick or Mrs Fenwick visit justgiving.com/fundraising/miriam-fenwick