More than five days after the rest of the field and clad in an old fashioned diving suit, Britain's Lloyd Scott has finished the New York marathon.

The former fireman from Rainham in Essex staggered around the course in the 58kg suit in a time of five days and one hour to raise money for cancer charities.

His effort to run "The Slowest New York Marathon" attracted considerable media attention.

Scott has intrigued the US media

Mr Scott caused a similar stir in April when he "ran" the London Marathon in his vintage suit and raised �100,000.

His New York time was a great improvement on the five days, eight and a half hours of his April effort in London, suggesting Mr Scott is getting used to the heavy suit including lead boots weighing 11kg each.

The 40-year-old cancer survivor was also burdened by an 18kg brass helmet that severely restricts his vision.

As well as raising money for leukemia research, Mr Scott has also taken on the cause of the children of firefighters killed in the 11 September attacks.

Taking regular breaks for rehydration, Mr Scott has been able to tackle four and a half miles of the course running through New York's five boroughs each day.

He spent the nights staying in fire stations near the course.

Mr Scott did the London Marathon

"I decided to wear the diving suit because it is quite simply the worst thing that anyone could run a marathon in," Mr Scott told The New York Post.

He said the diving suit was a symbol of his battle with cancer.

"It's a good example of what it's like for cancer and leukemia sufferers because it's slow and painful - but like me they'll win out in the end," he said.

Marathon winner Rodgers Rop of Kenya finished the course in two hours, eight minutes and seven seconds.