A man who ran the London Marathon in memory of his brother had his medal stolen when a thief drove off in his car - but it has since been found.

Andrew Barrs went to McDonalds in Gillingham High Street after the race on Sunday with his family, where his keys were taken off the table.

The thief then drove off in the vehicle, which is believed to be a metallic grey Citroen C4.

His medal was later found in the garden of a nearby home and returned to him.

Mr Barrs, from Broadstairs, ran the race in memory of his brother Jason who died of cancer in July last year. He finished in 3 hrs and 55 mins.

As part of a competition supported by Buxton Water, he was able to let his five-year-old son Harrison run with him for 80 yards on a section of the race near London Bridge.

Mr Barrs' father, George Barrs, said: "Andrew drove Harrison and myself to McDonalds in Gillingham to celebrate the little man's 80 yard run in the marathon and it's there that a wonderful day turned into a nightmare.

Watch: Andrew and Harrison running 80 yards together

"Having parked the car right in front of the entrance to McDonalds we put all our pieces out of sight in the boot of the car secured the car and went into McDonalds. Whilst eating our meal Andrew looked up to the front of the shop and saw that his car was missing.

"We obviously share some blame for sitting with the keys on the table something my son who is OCD with regard to security would never normally do but I suppose the euphoria of the day helped to create the situation."

He added: "As usual in these cases it doesn't stop with stealing of the car because in the car in the boot were some irreplaceable items and some everyday items like coats.

"Among the more important items were my sons medal for the running the marathon, a kindle book and my camera with two lenses.

"In the camera the card has pictures of my son and his little boy running the 80 yards in the marathon including one of them holding hands with their free arms held in the air. Only a 75 year old father/grandfather can imagine the heart break that is causing me and the pain I feel knowing I can't recapture that moment when my heart burst with pride and the tears of total happiness rolled down my cheeks."

A police spokesman said they were called to a report that a car was stolen while parked in Gillingham High Street at 6.16pm on Sunday, April 23.

He added: "Inside was a medal awarded for running the London Marathon and a child's toys.

"The medal for running the marathon was located in the garden of a nearby home and has been returned to the owner."

Enquiries to locate the vehicle, and the offenders, remain ongoing.

Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting XY/018375/17 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.