Ilkley Harriers has lost a valued member and a stalwart supporter of local running with the sad passing of Phil Dean.

Phil joined Harriers in the early 90's, and was soon Club Captain. Longer-term members may remember Phil for his "Burley run", an uncompromising training run from Ben Rhydding Sports Club along the Burley bypass at exactly 7 minute mile pace.

When a hip problem stopped Phil from running, he embraced cycling and approached that with the same determination - when Phil led a ride you were expected to keep up with his 20mph average speed.

Phil's support for local road running extended beyond Ilkley Harriers. For many years he was the Secretary of the Harrogate & District Summer Road Race League and did much to make it the success that it is.

And we have all benefitted from Phil's active involvement with local footpath groups in campaigning to keep footpaths around Addingham and the surrounding moors open and well signed.

Many local runners would know Phil as the timekeeping official with the dictaphone (that dictaphone record has saved the race results on several occasions). Phil helped in many ways at races, and had very firm ideas on how a race finish should be organised ("always have an uphill finish, to slow the runners down").

When not helping out, Phil was often seen supporting and encouraging runners at races, on his bike or with his collie "Landlord" or both.

Phil's support of local road running was wide and unstinting. He was also a valued member of Otley AC and a close friend and supporter of Ian Fisher, driving the younger champion to many early races.

He was also a member of Bingley Harriers since 1957 and an Honorary Secretary of that club. He will be widely missed.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 27, at 3pm at Rawdon Crematorium.