Gary Wilks, 35, who works as a street cleaner in Ripon, was able to present a cheque to the charity's development officer Tony Doveston in the city last week after competing in the 26-mile event in May.

Mr Wilks said: "I think the work they do is brilliant. You never know when you will need them."

The race was the fifth marathon Mr Wilks, a member of the Ripon Runners club for nearly 20 years, has taken part in.

He was delighted to improve on his performance in the Edinburgh race last year, shaving three minutes off his time to come in at 3h 25m.

"I was a man well-chuffed," said Mr Wilks, "I was very pleased."

Mr Wilks was very grateful to all those who helped him raise money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

"I would like to thank everybody for their kind donations," he said.