A DARLINGTON runner will tackle the London Marathon tomorrow as a tribute to his father-in-law.

Dave Thompson, a member of the town's Quakers Running Club, 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 run in 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, of Carlton, near Stockton.

"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."