A RUNNER will tackle the London Marathon on Sunday as a tribute to his father-in-law.

Dave Thompson, of Carlton, near Stockton, will compete in the race with a photograph of his wife Linda's father, Jim Squirrell, on his vest.

Mr Squirrell, of Gilling West, near Richmond, North Yorkshire, died last year from lung cancer, aged 73.

Mr Thompson, 53, who was known as Tom to his father-in-law, will use the marathon to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

The runner said his father-in-law was a well-known local footballer who played for Northallerton Town, Richmond Town and Gilling West.

"He kept playing until he was 56," said Mr Thompson, a member of the Quaker Running Club, in Darlington.

"We played together for Gilling West when I started dating his daughter.

"He was one of the best players and I can still remember him shouting at us.

"I wanted to run to raise money to fight the disease that killed him - I'll have his picture on my back and I'm sure he will give me a kick up the backside if I need it."

The marathon on Sunday will be Mr Thompson's fifth.

Mr Squirrell's wife, Greta, 73, said her son-in-law was making a wonderful gesture.

"Jim was a great man and I know Tom thought a lot of him," she said. "It's a marvellous thing he's doing."