A RETIRED Dent man is back from Brazil after a bruising ultra-marathon in the Amazon jungle.

Crocodiles and piranhas were among the many dangers lurking in South American waters as grandfather-of-four Richard Chambers powered to finish in ninth place in the tropical heat.

He was the leading Brit in the pack going into the last phase of the 222km, week-long race, but two army commanders beat him to the finish line.

“It’s good to know there are people in the Army who can beat a 62-year-old pensioner!” said Mr Chambers.

“When you’re in the jungle it’s not terribly picturesque because you’re just seeing trees and bushes.

“It’s not as romantic as you’d think.

“It was best not to think about the crocodiles that had been seen by some of the crew on one of the support boats, nor the piranha fish that may be lurking.

“The more mundane problems were mainly foot related.

“There were problems keeping feet blister free when running after the muddy river crossings and swamps and dust roads had done their best to turn your socks into sandpaper!”

But Mr Chambers pushed on to walk away with a plaque after claiming the over 60s veteran title.

The race takes place annually in the tropical rainforest along the banks of the Tapajos river – which is one of the major tributaries of the Amazon.

Runners carried all of their own provisions during the race but were provided with water at checkpoints.

Mr Chambers raised more than £1,000 for the world aid charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), and now aims to put his feet up before considering his next task.

“I think I’m going to get involved with daytime television for a while,” he added.

Mr Chambers’ previous long-distance races have included the six-day, 151-mile Marathon Des Sables in 2004, a 151-mile endurance event across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, to celebrate becoming a grandfather for the first time.

In 2007 he completed the North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc, which took place over 166 kilometres of the European Alps in France, Italy and Switzerland. To donate to MSF go to www.justgiving.com/richard-chambers