A teaching assistant at Ladywood School has taken on a mammoth marathon challenge to raise money for Chester Zoo.

For the past two months Brenden Rendall has been running for hundreds of miles all around Manchester.

On Wednesday 15 July he even paid a visit to Ladywood School in Little Lever as a part of his run.

Everyday in June he completed a half-marathon, and during July he ran a full marathon distance each day.

On Monday August 3 there will be the grand finale, a 35 mile run from Media City in Salford to Chester Zoo.

He will have completed around 1,204 miles by the time he finish his challenge on August 3, roughly equivalent to 45 marathons in 60 days.

The 41-year-old has added a quirky twist to his challenge. Rather appropriately he's been running in different animal costumes over the two months.

Brendan said: "I chose Chester Zoo because it holds so many fond memories for me.

"I work with children with Special education needs and we've been on trips to the zoo and it always puts smiles on their faces.

"Having run marathons in Africa before, I'm also aware of the important conservation work they do for wildlife."

Brendan isn't new to extreme exercise, in 2018 he ran 92 marathons coast to coast across Africa.

But this time he wanted to do something different. Wearing the animal costumes has made the experience a bit more enjoyable, but does come with their own challenges.

Brendan said: "Originally I wasn't going to wear the costumes all the time, but when I put the penguin on I thought, after the year we've had seeing a penguin running down the road will really make people laugh.

"People stop and take photos, cars and trams beep their horns, its great.

"It really puts a smile on their faces and it's fun for me too, I feel like a different person.

"But it does get very, very sweaty and chafing is a huge problem.

"I will keep some of the costumes for future use but I'm afraid the cheaper ones are too smelly to keep.

"One of the hardest parts of the whole experience has been motivating myself to run everyday.

"Normally I have an end destination, but this time I start every run from my home in Salford Quays, it can be difficult to start to running on a wet day.

"But at least I've run in all weathers, from 30C in June to the wind and the rain in July.

"It's a mental and physical challenge."

So far Brendan has raised £6,770 for Chester Zoo, but he hopes to reach his target of £10,000.

Donations can be made via Brendan's Just Giving page Running 1204 Miles for Chester Zoo.