WELL-KNOWN York athletics coach Jack Dodds has died after a long illness, aged 78.

The Huntington-born coach, who worked as a British Rail engineer, had been involved in athletics in the city since the mid-1940s.

Dodds ran Rowntrees Athletics Club for many years, while he was also involved with York Youth, Railway Institute and disability sport.

Close friend Reg Hurst said: “He brought through young athletes and his life was dedicated to the youth of York.

“He was strict but fair and people spoke very highly of him. People said that if it wasn’t for him, they would not have achieved what they had.”

Dodds, who was married to the late Pat, leaves son Mitchell and daughter Jane.

A funeral service will be held at York Crematorium tomorrow at 2.30pm.