A MARATHON with a difference took place in Grappenhall.

Because from 11am on Wednesday until 9am on Saturday, the Bible was read, out loud, non-stop and cover to cover at St Wilfrid's Church in the village.

The event was all to raise money to repair the bell tower and saw readers take it in turn to read the bible in church.

And among those taking part was Warrington Guardian news editor and Lymm reporter, Gareth Dunning.

He said: "It was a little nerve-wracking to start with.

"The spotlight was on, and checking ahead before I got to my part, I saw some tricky Hebrew names.

"But I stumbled through and managed to read passages from Esther and Job.

"This is a fantastic cause and hopefully they will raise thousands of pounds.

"So many people have been interested in the marathon - it is an unusual idea and one that has proved incredibly successful."