Buster Martin dies at 104, three years after Marathon run

Tributes were paid today to the oldest man to run the London Marathon who has died aged 104.

Pierre Jean "Buster" Martin was Britain's most senior employee, working at Pimlico Plumbers, and was last seen by colleagues in its canteen enjoying a pint of his signature Buster's Beer.

He died in his sleep on Tuesday night at his home, near where he had worked for seven years washing the Lambeth firm's vans.

Today his boss and friend Charlie Mullins spoke of an "inspirational" character, who "had been a bit quiet lately but was still shouting and getting on with his job. We got a call yesterday. It was a real shock."

In 2008 Mr Martin was expected to take the Guinness World Record as the oldest - at 101 - to run the London Marathon. But he was unable to verify his age amid suggestions that he could have been a mere 94. He took just over 10 hours and raised £20,000.

He claimed he was born in France in September 1906, was raised in Cornwall and had fathered 17 children. His funeral, next month in Bermondsey, is being arranged through F.A. Albin & Sons.