A DJ has run into controversy by claiming that running is worse for the environment than driving.

Campaigner Tommy Boyd has even started an organisation called Don't Jog, Drive, saying runners produced more carbon dioxide than the average car.

"You could reasonably argue that someone running the marathon in aid of a green' charity is actually doing more harm to the planet than they would by staying at home instead," said the Original 106FM Breakfast show presenter.

"We have done some research and found startling information about how bad running is for the environment. When we breathe we produce carbon dioxide (CO2).

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An average adult breathing normally and at rest, creates 400 litres (approximately 1 kilo or 2lbs) of carbon dioxide per day. When exercising, our intake of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide increases by up to 20 times.

"The rate of carbon emission for a typical runner is approximately 100 grams of CO2 per kilometre, this is greater than the rate of CO2 emission of, for example a Volkswagen Polo 1.4 which produces 99 grams per km."

Based on Tommy's calculations last week's London Marathon generated 72,000 kilos of carbon dioxide-the equivalent of 200 wide bodied jets taking off or 1,000 Range Rovers driving in circles for 24 hours. Tommy took the Don't Jog, Drive campaign to Downing Street which promptly rejected the petition claiming "it has no point about Government policy".

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Tommy added: "I have taken my research to a number of professionals in the fields of exercise and science, none of whom can dispute the figures.

"I can only conclude that needless exercise is killing our climate. We must all stop jogging now if we are serious about helping to save our planet."

Local running expert Dr Stewart Bruce-Low, from Southampton's Solent University said that although the figures are accurate they are taken out of context.

"It is the massive increase in car use, burning of fossil fuels and deforestation that is causing the problems, not the amount of CO2 we are breathing out.

"We need to take a common sense attitude. We can't stop breathing."