Daragh Burke, the childhood best friend of PC Matthew Blades, one of two Cleveland Police officers killed in the fatal A66 crash last month, completed the Great North Run half marathon in his place. Burke, 37, ran the Newcastle to South Shields course as a tribute, ensuring the challenge his friend had signed up for was carried through despite PC Blades' death, and describing him as "the happiest person you could ever meet".

PC Blades, 37, and colleague PC Tom Clough, 38, died on 22 August when their marked police vehicle was struck by a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the dual carriageway near Middlesbrough; all seven people in both vehicles were killed. Burke, who had known Blades for 30 years since primary school and was his godparent, finished the 13.1-mile course in 2hr 59min with only two weeks' preparation, running for the Parkinson's UK team that Blades had originally supported. The Independent Office for Police Conduct and Cleveland Police are investigating the crash, while race organisers confirmed Burke's number was officially reallocated to allow him to run.