Marathon runner Jo Earlam, from Tipton St John, has completed her 35th marathon - running dressed as a silver Christmas tree.

The 48-year-old joined more than 1,000 other runners at Portsmouth on Sunday, for the 26.2-mile route from Southsea to Hayling Island.

It was her 15th marathon of 2013, and her 25th running in aid of the dementia research charity BRACE, hence the festive fancy dress.

The Sidmouth Running Club member completed in just under five hours, struggling against a strong headwind for much of the way.

Post race she said: “I’m really pleased to have completed so many marathons this year, and reaching 25 for BRACE, and 35 overall made Portsmouth extra-special. I got loads of support on the way round, from other runners and spectators, shouting, go, Christmas tree go! I’m recovering from a cold and cough, so it was quite a hard run, but there was a brilliant atmosphere. I’m looking forward to my turkey and pudding on Wednesday and putting my feet up for a bit.”

She has until May 2015 to reach her goal of 50 marathons by age 50.

You can sponsor Jo and read more via her blog at www.joearlam.wordpress.com