DICK ADAMS, a former international cross-country runner from Rochester, has died at the age of 79.

Adams, who ran for the now-defunct Rochester Athletics Club in the 40s and 50s, represented England at two international meetings.

He finished 34th at an international cross-country event at Reading in 1948 and 27th at similar event in Glasgow in 1952. He also won the prestigious Rochester Five-Mile Road Race in 1949 and was Kent cross-country champion in the 40s.

The former athlete lived in Borstal Road at Rochester. He had been suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

Dennis Wigley, a friend and former running colleague, said: "He was a very modest man about his achievements in running and was well liked by everyone he met. He was a successful runner and quite well known in his day, both in Kent and around the country. He will be sadly missed."

Adams' funeral takes place on Friday (August 29) at 2pm at Medway Crematorium. He leaves a widow Joan and four children. Donations should be made to the Parkinson's Disease Charity.