STEVE Cram last night spoke of the "immense debt of gratitude" that he owed to former coach Jimmy Hedley who died on Saturday at the age of 77.

Hedley, who was heavily involved in North-East athletics for more than 50 years, tutored Cram as he won Olympic gold and set World Records in both the 1,500m and the mile during his 1980s heyday.

"I wouldn't have achieved what I did in my career if it hadn't been for Jimmy," said Cram. "He contributed so much to my athletics down the years.

"I was saddened to learn that he had passed away, and there will be a lot of people in the North-East feeling a similar thing after hearing of the news.

"Jimmy gave so much to so many people and he will be sadly missed."

Hedley was a stalwart of the Jarrow and Hebburn athletics club with which Cram took his formative steps in the sport.

His devotion to athletics knew no bounds, and he continued to be heavily involved in his local club until a recent illness forced him to cut back.

"Jimmy has been the backbone of Jarrow and Hebburn for as long as I can remember," said Bill McGurk, chairman of the North-East Counties Amateur Athletics Association.

"During that time he has seen the likes of Steve Cram, David Sharpe and Vince Wilson go on to achieve top honours.

"Right up until his death, he was still heavily involved in the running of the club and the coaching of the juniors.

"That's typical of Jimmy and the way he devoted himself to the sport.

"He was with Steve right from the very start and was as much of a confidante as a coach. He was always the first one that Steve would turn to for advice or encouragement.

"But, for Jimmy, athletics wasn't just about the Steve Crams. He was as interested in the 16-year-old kid trying to better themselves in the high jump or the shot putt.

"That, as much as anything, is why he will be a great loss to athletics in our region."