A BOURNEMOUTH man has been nominated for a Pride of Britain award after running 44 marathons in 44 days across 44 countries.

Peter Thompson could pick up the prize for 'Fundraiser of the Year' at the awards ceremony later this month.

Running in support of Livability and Mind, Peter started the challenge on April 1, raising £20,000 for the charities.

He visited every European country, and as a result of his mammoth effort joined a shortlist from the region for the prize.

A short film about him was due to be screened on Tuesday night, with the winner being decided at the end of the week.

Janet Miles, head of communications and campaigns at Livability, said: "Our charity is so proud and inspired by Pete’s heroic efforts.

"Pete embarked upon each marathon, with real dedication, hope and a positive attitude. Not only did Pete have to cover 26.2 miles each day. He also had to make it to some form of transport (plane, train or automobile) in order to reach the next European country, for the next day’s marathon.

"Pete has displayed immense physical ability – but also great organisational and logistics planning to make it all a reality.

"We are delighted that he chose to support Livability.

"The funds he has raised are incredible and will help Livability’s work to tackle the isolation that mental illness can cause. We hope that everyone will back him for this amazing award."

Neil Stevens from Livability’s Holton Lee centre said: "We are proud that through such projects we are seeing people who live with mental illness report improved levels of wellbeing and social connection.

"We’re deeply humbled that Peter has chosen such a challenging way in which to help promote this vital and important work."