Andy Burnham has been hailed for taking part in the Great North Run yesterday. Mr Burnham, wearing a Number 10 bib, ran the half marathon to raise money for Changing Lives, which he visited last month to launch a national drive to end rough sleeping. He became the first sitting Prime Minister to take part. And founder and president of the Great North Run Sir Brendan Foster said: “Since our first event in 1981, we’ve seen countless special moments and incredible feats and today was no different. “Our biggest ever Great North Run, over £25 million raised for many worthy causes and our current Prime Minister on the start line, what a way to celebrate the Great North Run’s 45th anniversary.” The Prime Minister, who took part in the run in a personal capacity, said the North East “doesn’t always get the attention it deserves” and “it’s good for the whole country to have its eyes on this wonderful part of the world today”.