A remarkable great grandmother took part in her 28th marathon on Friday to raise money for two Jewish charities.

Flora Frank, from Edgware, completed the Jerusalem Marathon in seven hours, eight minutes and 55 seconds.

The unstoppable 70-year-old, who is due to take part in next month’s Virgin London Marathon for the 19th time, said: “This was the first time I have done the Jerusalem and I knew it was going to be hot but there were no half measures.

"I was determined to go the full way out of respect for the city of Jerusalem, but 26 miles is hard going, especially in the heat.

“I speed walk, I never run because I never have time to practice. I do it to raise money, that’s where my motivation lies, and because I love walking. You are at one with yourself and it is just a wonderful feeling.”

Mrs Frank raised money for Norwood, a charity supporting disabled people in the Jewish community, and Emunah, which provides social welfare support to children in Israel through a network of centres and residential homes.

Her late brother was a resident at Norwood’s Ravenswood home and she wanted to support the “amazing” work of Emunah after meeting the charity’s directors.

Emunah director Deborah Nathan said: “We are full of admiration for Flora because she is an incredible role model for keeping fit, whilst raising money for children in Israel and her favourite causes. She is just amazing.”