BURLEY-in-Wharfedale's Rebecca Cesar de Sa is celebrating after setting a new Guinness World Record in the London Marathon for fastest runner in film character costume (female).

She ran the marathon as Wonder Woman in a record breaking time of 3:16:19 seconds, knocking nearly half an hour off the former record.

After Sunday's marathon Rebecca, a mum of three, said: "It was amazing! After all the official costume verification and checks at the start, I was off. I really felt like Wonder Woman, the crowds and the support along the 26.2 mile route was overwhelming, they really spurred me on.

"I felt I was running this marathon with a real sense of purpose and I was determined to enjoy it. Seeing close family friends and our son Henry outside Buckingham Palace at 26 miles was the perfect opportunity for a quick pit stop and a hug before the finish line. I knew I'd smashed the record but there was another lady also making the attempt and I had no idea as to her finishing time. But as soon as I crossed the line I was greeted by a GWR official holding a certificate, I knew I'd done it. My friends and family have been very supportive of the attempt and are all as delighted as I am, some even claiming they have never known a Guinness World Record holder before!"

Rebecca's sons, Tomas, 12, Henry, 10 and nine-year-old Eduardo, who initially thought up the challenge are delighted with their mum and are already thinking up the next marathon challenge for her. Teacher Rebecca, aged 40, has now completed nine marathons, six of which have been in the London Marathon. Rebecca said she will have to at least do one more to make it ten and is not ruling out another Guinness World Record attempt next year.

"It really was the most enjoyable marathon I've ever done," she added. "I was eight minutes slower than last year, but hey, what does that matter? I was running as Wonder Woman on behalf of the village Scout and Guide group."

Rebecca has raised over £2,350 for the young people of Burley in Wharfedale. The village has been fundraising since 2014 to build a new headquarters to replace the existing dilapidated building. Burley provides Scout and Guide activity for 300 young people per week.

Helen Haskins, of the Burley Scout and Guide HQ fundraising appeal, praised Rebecca's fabulous achievement. She said: "The Burley Scouts and Guides wish to congratulate and thank Rebecca. The new facilities will enable us increase the opportunity for more young people to have access to fun and life skills. We are now half way towards our target of £400,000, but are always looking for more support and volunteers. More information is available from our website www.burleyscoutsandguides.org.uk or please get in touch with Helen at helehaskins2013@gmail.com"

It is not too late to support Rebecca's attempt, on behalf of Burley in Whafedale Scout and Guide Group. For more information search Just Giving , Burley in Wharfdale and click on the photo of Rebecca with the Cubs or visit https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/wonderwomanrebecca?utm_id=2&utm_term=EvrKeJ5b9)