New Thanet AC member Ray Butler is taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday - aged 78.

Butler’s arrival at the club was largely down to chance after chairman Julien Lawton first saw him out making strides.

After starting a conversation the next time he spotted him, it turned out Butler was far more than your average runner.

“I noticed him running a good pace along the seafront,” said Lawton.

“When I later saw him walking his dog, I started a conversation and asked him about his running. It transpires Ray can run a sub four-hour marathon and is ranked seventh in the country for his age group.

“Ray is 78 so competes as a master in the V75 bracket.

“What’s even more amazing is that Ray only started running at the age of 60, having done nothing beforehand.

“He’s real testimony to a positive mindset and how just having a go can achieve something great.

“Ray runs in the London Marathon this year and I’m proud that he is wearing a Thanet AC vest.”