WEAVER Vale MP Graham Evans smashed his personal best for the London Marathon by six minutes on Sunday.

Mr Evans, right, who turned 50 in November, was running in the world-famous 26-miler for Winsford-based St Luke’s Hospice.

The local MP crossed the finishing line in a time of four hours, 43 minutes and 56 seconds, his third entry in the London Marathon in successive years.

“I am delighted to have beaten my personal best, coming in six minutes faster than last year, especially given that this is my first marathon in my 50s,” said Mr Evans.

“The London Marathon is a fantastic race, with an amazing atmosphere.

“But the most important thing about the race is how it draws funding and raises awareness for so many important causes.”

St Luke’s Hospice is a ‘staple’ within the community, he said, and is close to everyone’s hearts.

“The hospice needs £7,500 a day to keep its doors open and to continue to provide this valuable service to the local area,” he added.