WIRRAL'S own 'Running Man' has been awarded the 'Outstanding Volunteer Award' from the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Warm Hearts campaign.

John Hammond, from Oxton, was selected by a judging panel from national volunteer organisation NCVO for his outstanding support and dedication to various charities, organisations and local causes in the borough.

John has now run more than 150 marathons and has raised more than £80,000 for national and local causes including Mental Health Awareness, the National Autistic Society, CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service), Lucy's Pineapple Appeal and for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

As well as running thousands of miles, John has completed 100 mile bike rides, given 400 Easter Eggs to families, handed out roast dinners to the homeless and donated presents to a local children’s hospital over the Christmas period.

John said: “I am delighted that to have won the Galaxy Warm Hearts Outstanding Volunteer award and I’m planning on giving my winning £250 to a local little girl to support her treatment for a brain tumour which I have previously been raising money for.

"The local community is vital to my fundraising success and so I’d like to thank them for always getting behind my charity challenges, without them, none of this would be possible.”

Michelle Frost from Galaxy said: “The Warm Hearts campaign aims to cast a spotlight on the unsung heroes working in the charity and volunteering sector across the UK and reward them for their outstanding efforts.”