Running man Gary Mckee has smashed the world record for running back-to-back marathons – and a brewery has named a beer in his honour.

Cumbrians have thrown their weight behind the iron man as he takes on the gruelling task to run 100 marathons in as many days to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

And his determination has paid off as he has beaten the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive marathons run by a man, which stands at 55.

The 47-year-old has became a sporting hero across the county, raising more than £26,000 so far.

Gary, of Cleator Moor, has taken on the running feat to raise money for the charity Macmillan Cancer Support in memory of his father, Victor, who would have been celebrating his 80th birthday this year.

He continues to be supported on his marathons by runners and cyclists. "It does help when people are with you,'' he said.

As well as smashing the world record, he also continues to be consistently the top runner across the world on Strava, a social media fitness app.

And after he ran his 70th marathon on Friday, Ennerdale Brewery launched its strongest beer to date, called Marathon Man, with all profits going to his cause. It will go on sale in local pubs this week.

Paul Zanacchi, one of the brewery directors, said: "What Gary is doing, and has achieved to date, is absolutely unbelievable and everyone in Cumbria is 100 per cent behind him.

"We are extremely proud to call him our own and of his achievement so far.

"To have the heart and determination to get up each morning and run 26 miles is a super human feat and it's amazing to see everyone in the local area and beyond giving him huge support."

The brewery hopes pubs and clubs will support Gary by buying a cask of the limited edition ale, as well as putting a collection tin next to the pump clip.

It will not be available in bottles, due to the timescales involved in the bottling process.

Gary will finish the challenge on April 23 when he takes part in the London Marathon.

To sponsor him, go to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Gary-Mckee100