The heroic sacrifice of a lifeboat volunteer who gave his life to save others has inspired his great grandson from York to run the Great North Run - ten times.

Frank Dalton was serving at Scarborough Lifeboat Station when he joined the crew that launched to the 499-tonne Dutch cargo ship Westkust on December 9 1951.

In raging seas, Frank helped save all ten people on board, 19 miles off Flamborough Head, but paid with his life.

His great-grandson Dan Webster, 35, from Huntington, York, has vowed to run the Great North Run ten times - once for every life saved by his ancestor.

He is now in training to tackle the route for the third time this September in memory of Mr Dalton, who was awarded a posthumous Bronze Medal for Gallantry by the RNLI.

Mr Webster said: “I’m incredibly proud of my family history and the courageous story of my great- grandfather and I’d like to do my bit to honour his memory in support of the RNLI.

“Although I have run in previous years, I started my training in January, knowing I was going to have to work hard.

“I’ve since lost over four stone and, although I’ve got a way to go yet, am feeling really good about achieving my personal best.”

Hannah Jackson, RNLI Community fundraising manager for torkshire, added: “The RNLI’s rich and long heritage is sadly peppered with tragic loss of crew members who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“The fact that courageous individuals such as Frank Dalton still serve as an inspiration is a testament to the bravery and dedication of all RNLI volunteer crews past and present.”

To sponsor, go to: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=DanielWebster78