THE grandson of Britain's first-ever Olympic gold medal-winning athlete has spoken of his pride at the fitting tribute paid by an East Dorset village.

Charles Bennett, who was born in Shapwick near Wimborne, scooped first place in the 1500 metres at the Paris Games in 1900 and went on to smash two world records, picking up another gold and silver medal in the process.

An engine-driver, he was dubbed the Shapwick Express and when he came home in triumph he was carried shoulder-high through the streets of Wimborne.

But he returned to obscurity and his job as an engine-driver and his achievements as a middle distance runner were quickly forgotten.

That was until Shapwick decided to name its new village green after him.

His grandson Chris Bennett, from Bear Cross, who only discovered his grandfather's grave at Kinson Cemetery a couple of years ago, said: "To be quite honest, in the family we never really classed him as very, very special. He was an amateur runner and that was it."

It was a one-mile run around the village in 2000 organised by the late Brian James, of Bournemouth Athletic Club in Charles's memory, coinciding with the Sydney Olympics, that woke Chris up to his grandpa's importance.

"He Brian James was over the moon to find me," said Chris. "My wife and I and two daughters went over there. We were treated like guests of honour."

Chris thinks his grandfather - who later ran The Dolphin pub in Kinson - trained in London in gaps within the train schedules.

The race also motivated locals into forming a community trust which has since raised £35,000 for a village green and play area, including swings and forts.

It is hoped a grand opening of the new green will be held on the bank holiday weekend.

Sadly Charles Bennett's medals have long since been lost but the family has plenty of pictures of his trophies to remind them of his success.

First published: August 19