IF you’ve ever thought age might be a barrier to getting in shape – think again.

Among the runners waiting for the starter’s gun to fire at the 2016 SABIC Fun Run in Middlesbrough on Sunday, September 4 will be Brian Woodhouse at the tender age of 82.

Mr Woodhouse will be joined at the start line by his four-year-old great granddaughter Scarlett to raise money by running 3K for the respiratory ward at the James Cook University Hospital.

His fund-raising effort followed the death two years ago of his wife of 56 years Ellen after a lifetime of suffering with chest and lung conditions.

He said: “My great-granddaughter Scarlett remembers Ellen, or Nana Nellie as she was known, so she said she wants to do it with me, which is great.

“I only wish I’d started being active years ago but as they say it’s better late than never.”

Mr Woodhouse and Scarlett will also be joined at the start line with another five of his grandchildren each of them raising funds for the respiratory ward.

Find out more about the runs on offer at runmiddlesbrough.com or by calling 01642-200833.