THE world of athletics was today mourning the death of runner and coaching legend Mel Batty.

Mel, 71, was admitted to Southend Hospital on August 19 following a heart attack.

He passed away in the hospital around 10pm last night.

Mel set the world 10-mile record in 1963 and went on to coach Basildon AC's distance runner Eamonn Martin.

The former Thurrock Harriers member had been coaching Southend AC's Adam Hickey in recent years.

See tomorrow's Echo for a full tribute to Mel.