A Gigantic banner welcomed the landlord of The New Inn on Ombersley Road, Worcester back home after he completed the "gruelling" London Marathon.

Scores of messages of support from family, friends and the pub's customers helped Keith Newby make it across the finishing line during Sunday's marathon.

The 39-year-old managed to complete the 26.2 miles in four hours and 54 minutes raising just over £5,000 for St Richard's Hospice.

Mr Newby chose the charity following the death of his friend Cynthia Leather who died at the hospice in Wildwood Lane, Worcester in October 2012 following a battle with lung cancer.

He said it was the support from onlookers as well as friends, family and customers back in Worcester which kept him going as the miles began to take their toll.

"It was brilliant but it was outrageously hot.

"Canary Wharf was like being in a big oven.

"There was a phenomenal amount of support from the crowd, they didn't let up, they were amazing.

"My brother came with me and kept shouting out how many messages of support I'd had on Facebook which was really overwhelming.

"I'm glad to have been a part of it all."

Before the marathon, Mr Newby told your Worcester News that he could "barely run a bath let alone a marathon" and underwent an intensive training schedule alongside running the pub.

Despite the fantastic atmosphere and the mammoth amount raised for charity, Mr Newby said he doubted he would take part in a marathon again.

"Never say never but it will take something pretty big for me to get my trainers on again.

"I might do a half marathon or other fundraising events but I don't think I will do another marathon."

His wife and friends decorated the pub's fence with balloons and a massive banner which read "Keith Newby - Marathon Man".

Arriving back home, he was treated to a massive party on Sunday evening.

"The support I have had is fantastic, I can't thank people enough.

"Local businesses have been great too - the post office on Ombersley Road has raised £200 and the Co-op has raised £300.

"The whole community has been great."