A GREENOCK police officer received a heroes welcome from schoolchildren after completing the hottest ever London Marathon.

Superfit Constable Kirsty Boyd, who is the liaison officer for schools in Inverclyde, took part in the 26.2 mile race in sweltering conditions.

The 46-year-old says she has been blown away by the sponsorship she has received from everyone, especially the pupils at Whinhill Primary, who have helped her to raise over £2,000 for CLIC Sargent - a cancer charity for children and young people.

Kirsty told the Tele: "It was very hot during the marathon, especially I'm used to training in hailstones, snow and horizontal rain.

"I have never experienced an atmosphere like that before in my life - it was phenomenal.

"I had my name on my vest and everybody was shouting my name."

PC Boyd said it was a special moment to cross the finish line after running for just under five hours.

She added: "It was really emotional to cross the line.

"It was nice as my sister Sally also did the race and all my family were down there to support us.

"My original target was £2,000 but it now looks like I'll reach £3,000, so I'm over-the-moon.

"I want to say a big thank-you to al the local companies who sponsored me as well as my friends and family and my work colleagues.

"I also want to thank the schools and residential units.

"Whinhill Primary have been so supportive, they took part in some of my training and organised a cake and candy to raise extra money for the charity.

"The school was the first place I visited with my medal."

Emily Milne, one of the P7 pupils at Whinhill, helped to organise the cake and candy sale.

Emily said: "PC Boyd has been good to us as we did a crime and punishment topic last term and she organised a trip to the police station for us.

"We wanted to give her something back.

"I think it's really nice that she's raising money for CLIC Sargent."

PC Boyd was keen to thank her family for their support including her parents, siblings and her children Jenny, 14, and Peter, 12, and her husband Peter.

She is also keen to thank her stepdaughter Chloe and her fiance Kyle, who surprised her by travelling to London to support her.