TOUCHING memories of an elite athlete who died while training, aged 42, were recollected at a packed funeral service in Poole.

The chapel was packed to the point of standing room only as around 150 family, friends and colleagues bade farewell to Mitch Mason.

At his peak in the 1980s and 1990s he was one of Dorset's most talented long-distance road runners, winning the New Forest Marathon and Poole 10k among other achievements.

Mitch's style was reflected by one of his best friends, Dave Hayes, who, dressed in a cheery shirt and light suit, led the tributes.

He remembered evenings having his dinner interrupted by Mitch's enthusiastic telephone calls reporting the trials and tribulations of his beloved Dagenham and Redbridge football club.

He said Mitch was happiest helping his team to sporting success, first with Bournemouth AC and later Poole Runners.

In far-flung places around the world, well-travelled Mitch is probably as famous as the Pope or David Beckham to the locals touched by his friendliness and generosity, Mr Hayes mused.

Mitch was the driving force behind ceaseless efforts to improve the Sapodilla leisure centre in Guyana, South America, after being introduced to the impoverished school while on a VSO placement in 1991.

During a gentle training run on April 22 with his daughter Lauren, 10, Mitch collapsed and died from what was believed to be a blocked heart artery.

His funeral service at Poole crematorium was followed by a celebration of his life at Hamworthy Sports and Social Club.

Mitch is survived by his wife Julie and daughter Lauren.

First published: May 6