BRADFORD’S fundraising viral sensation Jeffrey Long has been honoured for his tireless efforts to raise money for military charities.

Former paratrooper Mr Long, 86, went viral last year while completing a 86-mile walk along the River Thames in aid of the Royal British Legion and his old battalion.

His campaign was shared by comedian Jason Manford and went viral, raising more than £100,000.

For his efforts, Mr Long has been presented with the Times Sternberg Active Life Awards, which honours people aged over 70 for their work for good causes.

Mr Long received his prize, of £5,000 and a copy of The Times front page from his birth date in a ceremony at 11 Downing Street.

He was presented with the award by Baroness Altmann and the sister of Sir Sigmund Sternberg, who set up the awards through his charitable foundation in 2008, but died last year.

He said: “It is a great honour to win, only one person can win a year and there is a lot of competition.”

Also honoured at the awards was Bradford’s Jewish community leader Rudi Leavor, who was named as one of five runners up and received a prize of £1,000.

As well as receiving the award, Mr Long said he also presented everyone there with his own presents, handing over telescopic umbrellas to Baroness Altmann and Sir Sigmund's sister, and boxes of Yorkshire Tea to the runners-up.

He added that he has already donated some of his prize money to a good cause.