AN OTLEY woman has been named as one of the Royal British Legion's top fundraisers of 2017.

Sharon Harland ran two races, the Great North Run in Gateshead and the Great South Run, in Portsmouth, last year - raising £1,461.25 (including Gift Aid) for the cause.

The 45 year old's efforts were recognised at a Thank You evening held on board the SS Great Britain, in Bristol, on Saturday, January 27 where she received the All Rounder Award for 2017.

The event saw other leading fundraisers also presented with accolades and included stories from some of the many people the Legion has helped.

Sharon, a Customer Service Manager for Coachwise Ltd, in Leeds, says she was 'overcome with pride' upon receiving her award.

She said: "It was an honour to be invited and the venue was just out of this world.

"Listening to ex-servicemen on the night and hearing how the Legion have helped them get back into the community, especially when they have been injured in conflict and lost limbs, made the fundraising all the more special as you can see how the money is used and what a difference it has made.

"I am ex-Army but never really liked or enjoyed running. My first real race was a Leeds Half Marathon in May, 2016 which I did for the Legion as well.

"I enjoyed it that much I came up with the challenge for last year."

Sharon, who has also supported the Royal British Legion as a Poppy Appeal volunteer for the last four years, only had 41 days between both of her 2017 races.

During that time she ran and cycled - in the gym and around Otley - the 350 miles that separates Portsmouth and Gateshead as she trained.

The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support for the Armed Forces community.