'FANTASTIC'.

That's how a Wharfedale councillor has summed up his emotions after completing a 63 mile run months after a triple bypass operation.

Councillor Ryk Downes (Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) collapsed while running in Pool-in-Wharfedale in January, and only survived thanks to passersby giving CPR and using a defibrillator.

He underwent major heart surgery shortly afterwards.

A keen long-distance runner and fundraiser, he vowed to get back into his energetic routine as quickly as possible and completed the Leeds Half Marathon in May.

He has gone on to finish a number of other runs but last weekend took on his first long-distance race, from Guisborough to Filey, since his heart attack.

He said: "It feels fantastic to have done it but I had some problems during the race, mainly with my calves and shins due to just not having had enough time to prepare for that distance, so I had to dig really deep.

"I had given myself an 18 hour target to complete the race and in the end finished with only seven minutes to spare, just before 2am.

"But it felt unbelievable when I crossed the line and I got a massive cheer.

"This was my first Ultra since 'dying' from a heart attack in January.

"My surgeon, GP and physio all gave me clearance to run last Saturday's race, which was 63 miles and 11,500 feet or climbs along the Cleveland Way.

"My wife, Bev, was my support through the day and without her there is no way I would have done it."