STAFF at a Malton building society challenged themselves to run a marathon - on a treadmill.

The runners from the Skipton Building Society, in Wheelgate, took turns to complete the 26.5 miles in the branch in aid of the Malton-based Encephalitis Society and St Gemma’s Hospice in Leeds.

Customer advisor Luke Simpson, who came up with the idea for the fundraiser, said: “It was good fun and a real team effort.

“Everyone really got behind us – and we had some fantastic support from our customers and the general public who would poke their head through the door to see what we were doing.

“We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made a donation and supported us on the day.”

The marathon was completed by Luke and his fellow customer advisors Sarah Richardson and Gemma Grover, customer reviewers Clare Russell and Sharon Sherwood, her husband Robin, and Phillippa Chapman, director of operations at the Encephalitis Society.

Dr Ava Easton, chief executive of The Encephalitis Society, said: “We would like to thank the team at Skipton Building Society for their support. It truly was a marathon effort. It is fantastic to know that we are so well supported in our local community.”

Meanwhile, the fundraising continued for Gemma Grover who also took part in The Leeds Bubble Rush at Harewood House for St Gemma’s Hospice, Leeds.