Brave eight-year-old Daniel Tait, of Honister Way, Blyth, won the junior race, for children between the ages of eight and 15, hosted by Blyth Running Club.

He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, which makes it difficult to breathe and digest food due to mucus clogging up the internal organs, when he was just 15-weeks-old.

Proud dad Ken, 48, a property services manager, said of Daniel's achievement: "He was hardly out of breath when he finished.

"He had his own set plan to pace himself, which he has been taught at the club.

"He wasn't going to set off in a hurry.

"He was nearly in tears when he was handed the cup."

Mr Tait explained how Daniel had come up with the idea to take part in the Junior Great North Run to raise money for cystic fibrosis.

He was then introduced to Blyth Running Club by a friend at school and joined seven weeks ago.

Mr Tait added: "He thoroughly enjoyed it.

"He has always been active and obviously we encourage it.

"They had this event on the seafront at Blyth and he was exactly ten minutes ahead of the field.

"He was absolutely elated at winning."

Daniel, who was also cheered on by mum Nicola and four-year-old sister Lauren, said: "I was amazed when I won.

"I felt really proud and pleased with myself, especially because I only started running two months ago.

"I thought I had a good chance because I was in a good group, but I was amazed to win.

"I started running because I wanted to do the Junior Great North Run to raise money for people with cystic fibrosis.

"I like running, it's a really good sport.

"I go training every night and sometimes run around the harbour or on the beach."

Daniel was presented with a special engraved shield at Blyth Golf Club on Saturday