A marathon runner has spoken of being thrust into the limelight thanks to his oversized costume, which was stolen prompting Piers Morgan to offer a reward for its return.

Lukas Bates gained national attention after his Big Ben costume stopped him crossing the finish line at the London Marathon on Sunday.

The Maidstone runner's five minutes of fame was extended when he revealed the costume was stolen from outside a pub, sparking controversial TV presenter Piers Morgan to offer a £1,000 reward.

Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Bates said: "I never wanted to keep the costume. I was going to give it to a pub landlord."

Mr Bates, from Perryfield Street, was drinking with his girlfriend in The Old Shades pub in Whitehall when the costume went missing.

He said: "We were speaking to the landlord and he said he would take it. There was no way it would fit in my house.

"The CCTV footage shows a running club took the costume. They've since sponsored me and said they didn't steal it and they left it at Nelson's Column.

"It would be good to get it back as it's another £1,000 for charity."

The quantity surveyor had raised £1,500 for Dementia Revolution before he set off on the 26.2mile run.

Since then the extra publicity has seen him receive an extra £5,000 in donations.

He added: "Monday was mental, there were film crews turning up at my door unannounced, I don't know how they found out where I live.

"I thought it would be stupid not to speak to them and get more donations.

"It was great but exhausting. I couldn't be a pop star."

Mr Bates was aiming to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon dressed as a landmark building - which stands at three hours, 34 minutes and 34 seconds.

He said: "Unfortunately Sunday wasn't my best run, I fell apart at mile 18 and ended at 3 hours 54 minutes.

"It's been lovely despite being exhausting, maybe I'll come back next year in Big Ben 2.0."

Dementia Revolution, the partnership of Alzheimer’s Research UK and Alzheimer’s Society, was Charity of the Year for this year’s London Marathon.

To donate to Mr Bates' fundraising page, click here.