A Leeds hairdresser is raising money for the NHS by running in a different fancy dress costume every day

Mary Taylor has combined her love of running and fancy dress since lockdown, raising nearly £1,500 for Airedale General Hospital in the process.

Mary, who is in lockdown with her mum and daughter, Isabella, nine, has become something of a celebrity in her home village of Silsden on her daily seven mile runs.

Mary, who has worked at salons in Leeds for many years, came up with the idea with her daughter, and is determined to keep going until lockdown ends.

"I own 30 costumes," Mary, 38, said. "Me and a friend used to go out all the time in fancy dress when we were younger as it was cheaper than getting dressed up."

Now it seems the whole village knows about Mary, and she even gets costumes sent to her for upcoming runs.

"It's just about making people laugh," she said. "The kids in the village all know about it and I can see them sitting in the windows waiting for me.

"Some are just in apartments with little balconies and it makes them smile."

Local children are now taking part in a competition to decide what Mary will wear next.

Outfits so far have included Where's Wally, Princess Leia, Wonder Woman and Ginger Spice - and people have even been sending her new ones to try out.

Mary has been running competitively for around three years, and came fifth in her category last year in the Leeds Half Marathon.

"My favourite has been the Gladiator outfit. Running in a full suit of armour was so much but - my shoulders were bruised afterwards!"

Mary has run more than 300 miles so far, with Isabelle sometimes alongside her on her bike as well as her friend's dog Red.

And she had a warning for anyone tempted to cut their own hair in lockdown, urging people to hang on until hairdressers can reopen.

She added: "Just stay as you are! It's not like you're getting dressed up to go out anywhere!"

You can donate to her JustGiving page here.

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