A London marathon veteran has smashed the book character world record after completing the course dressed as Dennis the Menace.

David Ross, from Eaton Road, Sutton, beat the previous record by five minutes when he crossed the line on Sunday (April 17) in three hours and two minutes and 30 seconds.

His time was verified by Guinness World Records officials and has appeared on their website with the other records broken on the day.

The 43-year-old, who had appeared on the BBC’s The One Show last week, was raising money for charity Guide Dogs for the Blind.

On the show’s set he met David Rathband, the policeman shot by Raoul Moat last year, who was also running the race.

Mr Ross said: “It was great to meet David, he is such an inspirational figure and really drove me on.

“It was pretty humid during the race but I had a hydro pack which helped keep me hydrated.

“I raise money for the guide dogs because one of my best friends is blind and he has done 150 marathons.”

The South African’s successful run as the Beano’s talisman means he still holds a marathon record because his previous title, dressed as Fred Flinstone, was well beaten.

Sheffield’s Jon Morgan recorded a time of two hours 46 minutes and 59 seconds, beating Mr Ross’ cartoon character record by an astonishing 21 minutes.

This year’s marathon was his 208th since his first in South Africa 20 years ago, and he has since run all over the globe.

Mr Ross’ wife also tried to break the record as the fastest film character but, sadly, injuries dogged her race and she got round in four hours 26 minutes.

Next up for Ross is the 100-mile Western States Endurance Race which takes place in June in California’s Sierra Nevada mountain range.

To donate to Ross’ charity visit justgiving