Prime Minister Andy Burnham takes part in the Great North Run

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

The Prime Minister crossed the finish line in just under two hours, and said he was "very happy" with his time.

He told the BBC: "I loved it. It's just a brilliant occasion. Today, particularly, so many people out there, such positivity.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, sporting bib number 10, pictured with Brendan Foster, ahead of the AJ Bell Great North Run

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"You see the causes people are running for, all pulling together for the bigger cause. It's just a day that reminds you how good this country is when it's together like this.

"This part of the world - it doesn't half shine on a day like this. The warmth of the people comes out - the people in the race with you, the people on the sidelines. It really is a wonderful thing."

He added that a particularly special moment had been the Red Arrows flying over.

Speaking before the race, the Prime Minister said that 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”.

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?”

“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.”

Prime Minister Andy Burnham, sporting bib number 10, during the AJ Bell Great North Run

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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.

The charity supports over 14,000 people each year facing the challenges of homelessness.

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.”

A sign marking 45 years of the Great North Run above participants during the AJ Bell Great North Run

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This is the 45th time the Great North Run has been held, taking place between Newcastle and South Shields.

Mr Burnham was one of many famous faces taking part.

Presenters Ben Shepherd and Helen Skelton, singer Joe McElderry, fitness coach Joe Wicks, and former footballers and managers Chris Kamara and Peter Reid also ran on Sunday.

United States runner Zouhair Talbi won the men's race, with Kenya's Brigid Kosgei winning the women's race.