A SCHOOLBOY runner who received a life-saving operation eight years ago has raised more than £500 after completing the Tesco Junior Great North Run.

Joel Atkin, a pupil at Sacriston Junior School, completed the two-mile course along Newcastle's Quayside on Saturday, finishing 245th out of 3,000 runners.

The ten-year-old was born with a hole in the heart and had to undergo surgery on his second birthday.

Now an enthusiastic member of Derwentside Athletics Club, Joel completed the run to raise money for the Children's Heart Unit and the race's official charity, the UK's Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre.

He said: "I really enjoyed taking part in the race. It was unbelievable how many people were on the Quayside, there were so many people alongside me.

"But it was great to see so many people who had come to cheer me on. Thank you to everyone who sponsored me."

Joel was sponsored for the race by staff at the clothing store Wallis, in the Prince Bishops Shopping Centre, Durham City.

Manager Ann Ward said: "We're so glad that Joel was able to take part in this year's Junior Great North Run. Joel is a terrific runner and he ran the race magnificently."