Stockport Harriers said goodbye to a stalwart supporter following the death of John Doherty.
'Mr D' was a respected senior sprint coach and had only recently passed on the coaching baton.
Many of the club's young sprinters over the last 30 years have been guided by Mr D, who turned up at the track three times a week, whatever the weather.
The sight of John Doherty encouraging from the sidelines laden with numerous tracksuits will be long remembered and greatly missed.
Stockport Harriers boys' team clinched an expected promotion when they won the final meeting of the McDonalds young athletes' league, at Cudworth, last Sunday by 66 points.
Pride of place goes to under-13 runner Stuart Cameron - who has won every 1500m this season and also produced a winning long jump of 4.07m to take the athlete of the match award.
Peter Hallinan won the 800m in 2 mins 35.4 seconds.
Matthew Fletcher was drafted into the 100m to cover for injured athletes and came up with a winning performance. He also won his usual 1500m.
Under-15 runner Neil Stevens achieved another sprint double in 12.4 and 25.4 seconds.
He was joined in the under-15 age group by Tom Nutter, who won the 3,000m in 10m 31.8s.
Under-17 Jonathon Rogers won the 1500m in a new personal best time of 4m 30.7s to cap a solid performance by the team - who managed to finish in the top three in virtually every event they contested.
The boys' team will be aiming to consolidate their newly gained position in division one next season.
Any youngsters visiting Stockport Carnival in Woodbank Park tomorrow (Saturday) could sample a little track racing.
The track, complete with tuck shop, will be open and Stockport Harriers will be organising informal races for parents and children.