GRANDMOTHER Jackie Jenkins shows no sign of slowing down in her 70s.

She has just won fastest woman for her age group in this year's London Marathon for the third time in a row.

The 73-year-old also achieved her personal best time on Sunday - completing the 26.2-mile race in just four hours and four minutes.

She said: "I think it was because the conditions were better, as it remained overcast so temperatures were cooler than previous years."

Jackie who worked at Bournemouth Town Hall for 33 years, only got into running when she was in her 40s.

"We were encouraged to keep fit at work, so we started a regular running group and it went from there. Some of us still meet up now - I enjoy the camaraderie.”

Jackie, who has two sons and seven grandchildren, lives in New Milton with her husband David who shares her passion for the sport.

Over the years, she has completed 12 marathons including Paris, Edinburgh, Barcelona and Berlin, as well as the Great South Run, the Great North Run and is also a regular at the Parkruns circuit.

"London is by far the best event though, I've done it eight times now. The support and atmosphere is always amazing."

Jackie plans to keep running for as long as she can and also hopes her story will encourage more people to follow in her (fast) footsteps

"I might not always be able to be competitive, but I hope to keep running to keep myself fit. It’s not often that I get ill and it helps to clear your head.

“I would encourage anyone to give it a try. The important thing is to build up the miles slowly. It’s a great way to keep fit - I always feel good after a run.”

Her son Mark said he was very proud of his mum.

He added: "She is an inspiration to all the family.”