The world is Lancashire runner Simon's lobster now

CHARITY MAN: Simon Couchman in his lobster costume

Simon, who already holds the Guinness World Record for competing a marathon in an astronaut suit, now aims to repeat the feat, this time in crustacean form.

Forty year-old Simon, creative director at Warton-based marketing agency ICG, is completing his training for the London Marthon on April 24.

He has decided to take on the identity of Bob the Lobster in a bid to raise money for the National Eczema Society.

Simon, who suffers from the condition himself as well as asthma, first competed as the Bob 12 years ago.

He said: “I usually compete in running gear but this year decided to get back in costume to help raise more money for my charity. I got the fastest marathon as an astronaut and this year I am aiming to be the fastest crustacean. Someone else is having a go and I’ve heard they are quite fast so I will have to get cracking.”

Simon’s wife Jennifer made his lobster costume with the help of their three-year-old daughter Genevieve.

His record breaking run as an Astronaut saw him complete the 26-mile course in three hours, eight minutes and 45 seconds – 11 minutes quicker than the previous holder.This year, he is hoping to beat the London Marathon crustacean record of three hours, 34 minutes and 22 seconds.