TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Olympic coach who has died at the age of 83.

Herbert Goodwin was a member of Darlington Harriers from the age of 15 and later went on to become president of the running club.

He launched a women's section of the club in the mid-1950s, became a coach for the Amateur Athletics Association and brought many international sporting stars, including cyclist Reg Harris, to the town.

His eldest son, Ken, 61, said: "He was very well known and respected in athletics circles.

"In 1956, he went to the Olympic games, held in Melbourne, Australia, as a spectator. However, possibly his biggest achievement as a coach came in the early 1960s, when his protg, Joy Grieveson made the British team for the Commonwealth Games in Canada and then went on to compete at the Olympics in Japan.

"From a very young age, me and my brother were dragged to the running track every Sunday morning, but we became very good at it. We have many happy memories."

Ken's younger brother, Ron, 58, said: "My dad joined the Darlington Harriers back in 1936, when it was a men-only club. He must have been quite ahead of his time, because he considered this sexist, which is why he launched the women's section in the Fifties."

Mr Goodwin was born in Springfield, but spent his latter years living in College Close, Darlington, with his wife Gwen.

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary in 2002.

Mr Goodwin died last Friday in Darlington Memorial Hospital from a sudden kidney infection.

He also leaves four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral takes place at Darlington Crematorium tomorrow at 9.45am.