Power walker Gladys Tingle of Louth Road, in Horncastle, is due to take part in the Great North Run in Tyneside on October 5.

When the run starts on Sunday Gladys will be among the 12 oldest competitors on the starting line.

She had meant to retire from her athletic career a few years ago, but, in the end, could not give it up.

"I didn't retire because I enjoy it so much and like the feeling of achieving something. I am going to keep plodding on," she said.

Every morning she goes on a long walk with her husband Harold, covering several miles: "Wednesdays and Fridays are my training days when I walk up to nine miles at a time," she said.

"I usually walk Boston way on a Wednesday and Lincoln way on a Friday."

One of her greatest achievements was coming second in the London Marathon in the over 70s section in 2001.

It was not until she was in her 40s that Gladys began walking in the Horncastle to Skegness walk. When this ended in 1999 she set her sights on the London Marathon and started training.

She has also taken part in Cancer Research's Race for Life and the Lincoln 10K.

Now in her late 70s, she has dozens of medals and her walls are adorned with certificates celebrating her achievements.

In the past six years Gladys had raised more than £8,000 for charity participating in various events.