A CARING bobby swapped his truncheon for trainers to take part in the Great North Run.

Sergeant Richie Watts, who is based primarily in Ellesmere Port, took to the streets of Newcastle and South Shields to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Sgt Watts completed the 13.1 miles in one hour 41 minutes, with the target of raising more than £700 in donations.

He said: “The MNDA is close to my heart as a neighbour has been suffering with the disease for the past five years.

“While there is treatment available, there is still no cure and the charity needs as many funds as possible to help make life more comfortable for sufferers.

“This is the 18th time that I’ve completed the Great North Run and the third time I’ve taken part for the MNDA.

“Although it doesn’t get any easier, it is enjoyable and the efforts of so many people act as a real inspiration.”