TRIBUTES have been paid to a former soldier who raised thousands of pounds for charity with long-distance runs and treks.

Alec Walker died at his home in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, on Tuesday aged 92.

He was well-known in the town for his wine-growing and charity fundraising work.

He joined the Army in 1927, becoming a captain in the Royal Signals. He spent 32 years in the Army, serving in Montgomery's 8th Army during the Second World War.

During his time in the Forces, he became Army champion in desert running and won accolades for his tennis and hockey prowess. He started running for charity after his wife, Joy, died of a stroke in 1988.

He ran the London Marathon twice to raise money for the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

In 1991, aged 78, he became the oldest person to walk from John O'Groats to Land's End.

He completed the trek to raise money for the BHF and the Freeman Transplant Association at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.

Yesterday, his son, Michael, said: "He had always been a very fit man and a very determined man.

"He did the London Marathon two years running, and did the Great North Run. He was well known at the time because he was in his 80s and it is not something you expect to find an 80-year-old doing."

Mr Walker was also known for making wine. He started brewing when he found a small vine growing in a back garden when he was stationed in Cyprus and then planted vines in his garden in Northallerton.

One crop alone was enough to make 14 gallons of wine, more than 100 bottles.

He leaves a second wife, Eileen, three children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.