Andy Burnham takes part in Great North Run for homelessness charity

Mr Burnham, wearing a Number 10 bib, was running in the half marathon to raise money for Changing Lives, which he visited last month to launch a national drive to end rough sleeping.

He said the run between Newcastle and South Shields was a “fantastic event”, adding it “gives you such a belief in the people of this country”.

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”.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, sporting bib number 10, during the AJ Bell Great North Run from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields (Richard Sellers/PA)

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Speaking to the BBC before the race on Sunday morning, Mr Burnham said: “People said to me when I became Prime Minister: ‘Don’t change.’

“I’ve been doing the Great North Run for a few years, so I thought: ‘Well, I’ll live that now. I won’t change. I’ll come and do it again.’

“And hopefully leading from the front, getting out there. I’m a big believer that everybody should do a bit of activity, whatever it is people can do.”

Wearing a pink running shirt and a number 10 race bib, Mr Burnham joked: “When I’m doing my job, I can hardly give up halfway round, can I?”

Speaking near the start line, he added: “I’ve been doing a bit of training, as people might have seen, even in the newspapers.

“But the dodgy running shorts have definitely been left at home in Manchester.

“I couldn’t offend all of the great people of the North East.

“So they’re at home, and I bought some new ones.”

Mr Burnham donated 15% of his first month’s salary as prime minister to Changing Lives, after promising to give a share of his wages to charity each month.

Andy Burnham running near his house (Peter Powell/PA)

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Stephen Bell, Changing Lives chief executive, said: “We’re delighted that Andy is running for Changing Lives and grateful to everyone who gets behind him.

“When he visited our service in Newcastle, he heard directly from people about their experiences of homelessness and the support that has helped them move forward.

“A safe place to stay is the start.

“People also need someone they can trust, practical help and support that continues as they rebuild their lives. Our colleagues provide that support every day.

“By donating to Changing Lives, you can help fund this work and be there for people facing homelessness.

“Thank you to Andy and to everyone running, donating and cheering on our team.”

Changing Lives supports over 14,000 people each year facing the challenges of homelessness.