THE athletics world in the North-East is mourning the death of a dedicated enthusiast of the sport who founded the Blaydon Race, which was run only last week.

Dr Jim Dewar, 69, was found dead at his home in Heddon-on-the-Wall, near Newcastle, on Friday, from a suspected heart attack.

It was just two days after he was actively involved in the organisation of this year's 24th running of the Blaydon Race.

A former athlete on the club circuit, he became chairman, and more recently president and a life member of Blaydon Athletics Club.

It was in such capacity that he revived the Blaydon Race, in 1981, using the same 5.7 mile route from Balmbra's, in Newcastle, to Blaydon, as in the famous 1862 Geordie anthem.

The race grew from a field of a few hundred to an international event competed by 4,000 runners last Wednesday, on the traditional June 9 date as in the song.

Athletics writer Bill McGuirk, North-East Counties Athletics Association chairman, said Dr Dewar would be sadly missed.

"He was there as busy as ever last Wednesday, at the starting line when the gun went and at the end to greet the first finishers.

"He was very much the driving force, the race organiser and convenor.

"I spoke to him on Thursday and he was as keen as ever, wondering what could be done for next year's race."

Mr McGuirk said that it was too early to consider any form of memorial tribute.

Dr Dewar, Newcastle-born, was a retired doctor of clinical bio-chemistry, based at the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary and at Newcastle University.

He leaves a wife, Irene, and three sons. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.