The co-founder of Oxford City Athletic Club has died.

Benny Reeve, 84, of Ambleside Drive, Headington, was a keen 800m and one-mile runner who helped train hundreds of young Oxfordshire athletes.

He set up the club more than 50 years ago to give people the opportunity to chase their dream of becoming professional runners.

Born in Preston, he moved to Lower Heyford as a young boy. At 14, he joined the Oxford Mail as an errand runner and went on to work at Morris Motors at Cowley as a dye setter, before setting up a bookmaking business.

An avid Oxford United supporter, Mr Reeve and his wife Mary, who died in January, provided accommodation at their home for many of the club's up-and-coming players.

A memorial service for Mr Reeve is being held at 1.45pm tomorrow at The Queen's College, Oxford, where he was a general helper until earlier this year, followed by a funeral at Oxford Crematorium at 3pm.