A NORTH-EAST man has set a new a new world record after completing a marathon carrying his Army backpack full of kit.

Warrant Officer Gordon “Charlie”

Chaplin, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, completed the London Marathon in 5hrs 35mins carrying 40lbs.

WO Chaplin left the area when he joined the Army and serves with 1st Battalion The Royal School of Military Engineering, in Chatham, Kent.

He ran the marathon in aid of Help for Heroes and Macmillan Cancer Support which helped his wife, Alex, with the disease.

WO Chaplin said: “By 20 miles the pain was starting to become unreal, but once I’d pushed through 23 miles it eased.

“With the finish line in sight, I could see the Guinness officials waiting for me, certificate in hand, I had beaten the record and was now a bona fide record breaker.

“I think the worst part of the day was trying to make it to the underground and the train home, with legs seizing up, a large heavy back pack, goody bag and the cumbersome certificate in a frame.”

WO Chaplin, who has served in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, raised £1,964 and is planning more fundraising activities throughout the year.

To sponsor him visit justgiving.com/charliechaplin1