Biltcliffe, who finished the 256km endurance race in just over 52 hours, told PrintWeek: "My feet are killing me and I'm bloody knackered."

Competitors must endure temperatures of around 50 degrees centrigrade and are required to carry all of their own food and water. "Basically carrying a pack the weight of a medium-sized labrador," said Biltcliffe.

Amongst the other UK entrants to this year's Marathon des Sables was the celebrated explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who at 71 is the oldest Briton to complete the race, which he described as "more hellish than hell".

Biltcliffe entered the grueling event to raise money for Yorkshire Cancer Research. Anyone wishing to donate can do so via justgiving.com/bilty.