THE North-East athletics world will join family and friends to mourn the loss of a highly respected athletics coach tomorrow.

Stan Long, pictured, best known for honing the talents of Olympic medal winning athletes Brendan Foster and Charlie Spedding, died in hospital last weekend, aged 76.

Mr Long was admitted to Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital earlier this month suffering from a brain tumour.

He dedicated himself to developing young athletics talent, coaching at the successful Gateshead Harriers club for more than 40 years.

His proudest moment came in 1976 when, as an official coach to the Great Britain athletics squad, his charge, Brendan Foster, landed the nation's only athletics medal, a 10,000-metres bronze.

Although he retired from Gateshead Council in 1994, aged 65, he remained an enthusiastic coach until his recent illness.

Mr Long, of Felling, Gateshead, is survived by his wife, Joan, daughter Christine and son Paul, and five grandchildren.

His funeral takes place at St Alban's Church, Windy Nook, Gateshead, tomorrow at 2.45pm, followed by cremation at Saltwell Crematorium, Gateshead, at 3.30pm. Friends are invited to join the family afterwards at Gateshead International Stadium.