A VETERAN charity runner has collected more than £5,000 after completing a 10km road race.

Vic Pullen, 71, from Broadmayne, was surprised at the amount he raised for the Joseph Weld and Trimar Hospice in Dorchester.

Vic, who has been competing in races and raising money for charity for 45 years, said: "I am over the moon with this amount of money for such a small run."

Echo delivery man Vic thanked Broadmayne businesses and residents for sponsoring him to pound the streets of London on his fourth British 10k Open Road Race.

He said he managed to keep fit by delivering papers. "I have a delivery round of about 40 Echos a day in Broadmayne.

"My grandson's dog Pickles comes with me as I run around it," he said.

Vic and his trademark top hat have toured around the world taking part in runs in Russia, China, Australia and Canada.

In 1997 he was awarded an MBE for his charity work.

His wife Daphne helps his fundraising efforts selling flowers and vegetables from their home.