Tributes have been paid to Arthur Miller, who set up Derwent Athletics Club in Cockermouth.

The 85-year-old founded the club in 1973 with the merger of West Cumberland AC and Derwent Track Runners, and ran it with his wife Norah.

A couple of years later, Ray Hewson, senior British Amateur Athletic Board coach, was approached by Mr Miller in a bid to set up Arthur’s Vision, the Cumbria Track and Field League.

Mr Hewson said: “Arthur had an idea that athletics in the county of Cumbria could be promoted and advanced, especially for young athletes, by setting up a Cumbria Track and Field League.

“The aim was simply to provide, for every athlete in the county, the opportunity to represent his or her club, take part in league athletics and also have the possible goal of representing The Cumbria Track and Field League in inter-league matches with other track and field leagues.

“Arthur and Norah Miller were the most genuine people I ever met in athletics and it is rewarding to acknowledge that Arthur’s Vision, the Cumbria Track and Field League, continues to be a breeding ground for talent in the county of Cumbria.”

Mr Miller was father to Stephen and Craig, husband of the late Norah, father-in-law of Judythe and Beverley, grandfather to Claire and Christopher and the companion of Nora Salkeld.

Ms Salkeld said Mr Miller, of St Helen’s Street, was very well known in town.

“He was my very best friend and was a good friend to a lot of people,” she added.

Mr Miller died at the West Cumberland Hospital on December 22 and his funeral was held at All Saints Church in Cockermouth on January 3.