AN AIREDALE Hospital anaesthetist from Ilkley who won a race labelled Britain's most brutal has received a coveted accolade in recognition of his feat.

Tom Hollins completed the gruelling 268-mile non-stop Spine challenge, which covers the whole Pennine Way, in 99 hours and 25 minutes.

He was only the second athlete since the event began in 2012 to finish it in under 100 hours.

Now Mr Hollins has been honoured with a Yorkshire Society award.

It was handed over at the society's annual dinner and awards evening at the Hilton Hotel, Leeds.

"The whole evening was about celebrating being part of Yorkshire so I'm incredibly proud to be chosen for the award," said Mr Hollins.

"I have lived here all my life and part of what motivated me to do the race was the stunning Yorkshire scenery."

Tribute is paid by Linda Atkins, from the Yorkshire Society.

"This award is for someone who was not only born and bred in Yorkshire but also it's about a sporting achievement that has gone above and beyond," she said.

"When the committee read his nomination, they thought it was incredible and unanimously agreed he should have the award.

"The amazing thing is that Tom has said he didn't even set out to do this type of race. He just started fell walking, then that led to fell running and that led to extreme fell racing.

"We are very proud to give him this award."