ALF Tyrer was a highly-popular individual who gained respect and admiration for both his engineering expertise and the outstanding athletics prowess which earned him international recognition.

Always fitness-conscious, the one-time cross-country and marathon champion, who won more than 200 notable races over a period of 25 years, chose not to retire until his mid-seventies. At 80, he volunteered to deliver morning newspapers to help keep himself physically active.

But now, almost a decade later, life's race has finally ended for Alf, born Alfred Edward Tyrer at Port Sunlight in 1912. He died recently in a nursing home at Wargrave, Newton-le-Willows. And his legacy comprises an impressive sporting and engineering record, plus fond memories for all who knew him.

Alf began by winning a schoolboy mile event; then just before his 14th birthday he came second in a three-mile novice race at Chester. This heralded many cross-country triumphs to come. He twice came first in the youths (16 to 18years) three-mile event in the Lancashire Championships and also won the Lancashire junior title (18 to 21years). Winner of the Northern Senior event, Alf was also an All-England runner-up.

In 1946 and 1947 he triumphed in the Northern Counties Marathon (Doncaster to Sheffield). He also won several fell races and represented England on various occasions in the international cross-country championships.

In 1939 he broke the English six-mile record at Heaton Park and helped Sutton Harriers win all their major cross-country championships and road relays . Prior to 1933, he was a member of Makerfield Harriers.

The quiet, unassuming Alf also had a highly-successful career in undustry, starting as an apprentice fitter-erector on steam locomotives at the Vulcan Foundry, Newton, in 1927.

At the age of 25, he moved to Fairey Aviation (Heaton Chapel), working on the production of bomber aircraft. Later he was at Trafford Park, before rejoining the Vulcan Foundry.

After the 1939-45 war, Alf held several senior posts, as an inspector for locos, bridges, and harbour extensions, before gaining further experience with British Petroleum on the first North Sea oil-rig.

An old athletics buddy, Tom McIntyre of Prescot Road, Grange Park, who helpfully compiled Alf's career details, said: "He was a well-made athlete whose career was one of outstanding success." He was quiet and unassuming and wherever he went he was admired for 'allowing his feet to do the talking'.

"As a captain of Sutton Harriers, he encouraged many young athletes to achieve international status, and although born in Cheshire was a committed Lancastrian".

ALF Tyrer, adds Tom, epitomised the Sutton Harriers motto, 'From the Acorn Grew the Mighty Oak'.