'Oldest' marathon runner in age row

A 101-year-old London man barred from taking the title of the world's oldest marathon runner due to a lack evidence verifying his age has said he has been granted a passport.

Buster Martin completed the London Marathon in just under 10 hours and had expected to be crowned as the world's oldest marathon runner by Guinness World Records.

However, part-time valet Mr Martin was denied the record after it was reported that he was only 94.

He was born in France and moved to a British orphanage as a baby. He has a Home Office certificate of naturalisation but has not been able to produce a birth certificate.

Mr Martin has hit back in his quest for recognition and has now produced a passport which he claims verifies his age at 101.

His hopes are set to be dashed once again however after Guinness said the only documentation they would accept would be a birth certificate.

Addressing rumours surrounding his age, Mr Martin said: "I'm just annoyed I was doubted, I always knew that I was telling the truth, I know how old I am.

"I've not lost my marbles yet. It was a total insult to suggest I was lying, when the only reason I was doing this was for charity.

"It's not about the world record. The only Guinness I am interested in is a pint of Guinness."

A spokeswoman for Guinness said: "Guinness World Record guidelines indicate that we need a birth certificate - unfortunately a passport is not valid evidence, therefore we still can't recognise Buster Martin as the oldest marathon runner.

"But he is welcome to present us with a valid birth certificate."