A woman from Watton, who completed her first London Marathon, said she did it because she wanted to do something “of real importance” before she turned 60.

Gill Smith often watched the 26 mile run around the capital and expressed a desire to one day take part.

Mrs Smith, who said she had not done any substantial exercise since a foot operation two years ago, applied to run for her favourite charity, the East Anglian Air Ambulance.

She completed the marathon in 5 hours 29 minutes.

She said: “I had the most fantastic time of my life completing it. I had such tremendous support and encouragement along the way.

“It was tough at times and also very emotional but the generous support for this amazing charity kept me focused.

“Amazingly, I didn’t suffer any blisters, sore feet or injury and I guess that was because I trained so well.”