A MIDDLESBROUGH nurse and her fianc completed Sunday's Great North Run dressed as tigers, in mem-ory of her animal-loving mum.

Alison Jordan, who works at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, and Steven Elphee, donned tiger-striped vests, furry ears and tails as they ran for the World Wildlife Fund.

They hope to have raised about £750 after Steven completed the course in around two hours and 20 minutes.

Alison, who suffered a "bit of a blip during the latter stages of the race" finished about half an hour later, in two hours and 50 minutes.

Alison, 32, who lives in Norton, Stockton, said: "It was a lot harder than I thought it was and I really started to struggle towards the end.

"Steven wanted to stay with me but I told him to go on and get his time and I managed to get to the finish after a bit of a breather.

"Despite that blip towards the end, it was a fantastic day and we had some great encouragement from the crowds.

"I am so glad to have done it and I am sure mum will be looking on with pride, particularly as we have raised such a good amount for a charity she was closely involved with."

The couple will have another big day next month when they are due to get married.