SCORES of Bolton runners are nursing sore limbs and tending to blistered feet after pounding the capital's streets in the London Marathon.

There were inspirational stories of mums, dads and grandparents who battled through the pain barrier to raise money for worthy causes.

The Mayor of Bolton's chauffeur, Linda Leyland, swapped the luxury of the mayoral Jaguar for a pair of running shoes and clocked a respectable time of 3hrs 40 min.

Linda, aged 45, said: "It was absolutely fantastic. I couldn't believe how many people lined the streets, despite the wind and rain. They never stopped cheering and shouting. It helped get me through those last few miles."

Linda hopes to raise £500 for the mayor's charities, For Dementia, the Bolton branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain, and Halliwell Befriending Scheme.

Veteran runner Ray Stafford, aged 65, prepared for two-and-a-half years to run for Christie's Hospital after some of his friends received care there.

Ray, of Ashdene Crescent, crossed the finishing line in 4hrs, 1min, 38 secs.

School caretaker David Walsh celebrated his 56th birthday in style when he ran 3hrs 50 min, despite recovering from injury.

David, who works at Holy Infants Primary School in Astley Bridge, suffered a broken toe and then had a cycling accident just weeks before the big race. But he was determined to raise money for the charity Whizzkids. David, of Somerton Road, Breightmet, said: "Despite all the setbacks, I had a really good run and felt good at the 21-mile stage until I hurt my thighs. Those last five miles felt like the longest five miles I've run in my life."

Firefighter Simon Chadwick, aged 34, from Lowton, completed the run in more than four hours and is confident he will reach his £2,000 target for children's charity Macs.

Chris Ackers, aged 42, of Holden Road, Leigh, finished the marathon in 3hrs 57min and earned his charity, Childline, nearly £700.