The two-time club president has died aged 80

Tributes have been paid to Belgrave Harriers stalwart Bill Laws, who has passed away at the age of 80.

The two-time president – pictured above during the 1979 Southern 12-stage relays, taking over from Pat O'Connor – joined the club in 1953 and was the British Athletics League (BAL) team manager for 31 years, not missing a single match until they withdrew from the league in 2013.

He led Belgrave to 11 BAL titles, in partnership with Leo Coy, John Jeffrey and finally Alan Mead.

Team manager Will Cockerell is among those to have paid tribute and he added: "Bill was very ensconced in the administrative side of the sport and campaigned hard for the grassroots to get better structure. He was a founding member of the Association of GB Athletics Clubs and the South London Athletics Network.

"But at his heart he just loved the sport and was a friend and supporter to a vast range of athletes from Phillips Idowu to someone just turning out for a little gentle exercise."

See the Belgrave Harriers website for more and for funeral details once available.