USA runner Mark Allison on lap of honour at Newcastle

Thousands of Newcastle United fans gave a standing ovation to a fellow fan who did a lap of honour after running hundreds of miles in the USA.

Mark Allison, 40, from Shotley Bridge, County Durham, ran from California to New York in 100 days. He lost 5st (31kg) on the way.

His 3,100-mile run has so far raised more than £80,000 for charity.

He was invited to do a lap of honour at half time in Newcastle United's opening game of the season against Arsenal.

Mr Allison ran on to the pitch to cheers and was presented with a Newcastle shirt with the number 3100 on the back.

He then set off on a lap of St James' Park, shaking hands as he went.

Mr Allison took on the running challenge in memory of his mother, who died in 1995, father Terry, who died of cancer in 1988, and his brother David, who died from a brain haemorrhage in 1998.

His route took him through 13 states including California, Kansas and Illinois.

His run took in harsh conditions, including snow and desert temperatures of 46C (115F).

The money raised will go towards St Benedict's Hospice and The Children's Foundation.