A FORMER local runner, who got the chance to run against Ken Jones, has backed the campaign for a statue, calling him 'the finest athlete'.

Sidney Riley, 86, from Newport, started running at 18, and after winning local races he was able to compete against the then local champion, Ken Jones, an Olympic athlete and Welsh rugby player.

Mr Riley said: "There was just the two of us running. On the first start I hit the gun but was called back, although I doubt that would have made a difference as he was best.

"The second time, I actually thought I was in with a chance of beating him, but about 20 yards from the end, suddenly something passed me like a wind, and it was him."

Mr Riley, who lives with his wife of 55 years, Roslyn, in Newport, followed Ken Jones' athletic career and told Mrs Riley of his fond memories of Ken.

So when Mrs Riley read the Free Press appeal article in the paper, she didn't hesitate in telling him to get in contact to support the campaign.

He said: "Ken was a gentleman, a scholar and one of the finest runners I have ever met. He never got beaten in his life. He is one of the finest athletes."

Mr Riley enjoyed running as a hobby, and first discovered he could run, when he ran two miles around Kimberley Park, Newport, and kept the pace with the local champion.

He formed a local relay team and joined Newport Harriers Athletic Club, wining many local races, running the 100, 220 and 300-yard races. He gave up age 34, swapping his hobby to golf.

He added: "If ever a man deserved a statue for his accomplishments, its Ken. I watched him score the winning try against the All Blacks, but I think he was a better athlete.

"I hope that people will donate as it would be wonderful to see a statue of him."

WE ARE appealing for local people to get involved to make the dream of a tribute to Ken Jones a reality.

If you are planning to organise an event to raise money for the appeal, we want to hear from you.

Email hayley.mills@gwent-wales.co.uk or call Hayley on 01633 777 278.

To donate to the appeal, cheques need to be made out to Ken Jones Memorial Fund and posted to the care of Lewis Freeman at 52 Thornhill Close, Upper Cwmbran, Torfaen, NP44 5TQ.