NURSE Alison Jordan is hoping to earn her stripes when she runs in this year's Great North Run in a tiger costume, in memory of her animal lover mother Margaret, who died earlier this year.

Miss Jordan, who works at Middlesbrough's James Cook University Hospital, is donning a tiger-striped vest, furry ears and tail for the September 26 run in aid of the World Wildlife Fund.

Alison, 32, from Norton, Stockton, said her mother was a supporter of the wildlife fund. Alison said: "It seems the perfect way to honour her memory."

Miss Jordan will be joined by 11 fellow "tigers", including fiance Stephen Elphee - two weeks before their wedding.

* Frank Donnelly, of Billingham, has only missed two Great North Runs since they began, but may miss out this year, along with his daughter, Susan, who lives in Leicester. Despite posting off their details last November, the two have discovered they have not been registered.