Shropshire mother and son in London Marathon Guinness record

Dozens of Shropshire stars proved they were up to the gruelling challenge of the London Marathon - but only two also ran into the Guinness Book of World Records, writes CHRIS HUDSON.

Libby Collinson, from Much Wenlock, and son Richard, who is now based in Leamington Spa, will go into the next edition of the book for the fastest combined time by a parent and child of mixed sex.

Mother Libby, 55, crossed the line in 3hrs 36mins 39secs while former Shrewsbury School pupil Richard, 28, clocked an impressive 2:45.26 in Sunday's big race.

And that gave them a combined time of 6:22.05 which was confirmed as a record by Guinness World Record verifiers.

"Rich only told me the day before we went that he had registered us for the record attempt," revealed Libby, who is a nurse at the Much Wenlock & Cressage Medical Practice.

"I would have freaked out if he'd told me any earlier because it would have been added pressure.

"We'll do it again next year, though. We've got to try and keep the world record now — especially in Olympic year!"

Libby, a member of the Shropshire Shufflers, only ran her first marathon aged 50 and has now completed five, improving her time from an initial 4hrs 49 mins.

Son Richard, a former Wroxeter cricketer, has proved a real chip off the old block and took 10 minutes off his previous best time.

"It was very hot but it was a great day and it was very exciting," added Libby, who raised more than £1,200 for The Jacaranda Trust, a charity that supports vulnerable groups in Zimbabwe. "The atmosphere was electric and I'd like to thank everyone who sponsored me."