FORMER Olympic runner Stan Cox celebrated his 90th birthday by doing what he loves most - leading a group of health walkers along Felixstowe prom.

FORMER Olympic runner Stan Cox celebrated his 90th birthday by doing what he loves most - leading a group of health walkers along Felixstowe prom.

After the two-mile walk, his fellow walk leaders held a lunch in his honour at the Fludyers Hotel, Undercliff Road East.

Stan, who keeps fit by walking four miles a day, is a huge supporter of the health walks, which encourage people who have been ill to exercise to get back to full fitness as well as helping people to start enjoying walking.

Walk leader Alan Muchal said: “Stan is a stalwart of our health walking group and even at 90 is still full of vim and vigour.

“He is very popular with the health walkers, who get together nearly every week throughout the year to get some good outdoor exercise and enjoy a social occasion.

“He is a living testament to the benefits of keeping fit and active throughout life.”

Friends of Stan are hoping he will be given an active role in the 2012 Olympics and have been campaigning to try and ensure this happens.

“Stan took part in the last Olympic Games to be held in Britain in 1948 and we think it would be a lovely gesture, linking past and present, if he were to be one of those chosen to carry the flame,” said Mr Muchal.

“Stan would love to take part and says he would 'die happy' if he did.”

Former medal-winning marathon and long-distance runner Stan, of Dellwood Avenue, Felixstowe, said: “I love leading the health walkers and encouraging people to exercise, which is so important for people of all ages.

“I am older than all the leaders and virtually everyone who takes part in the walks! That always causes some amusement and jokes.

“But the walks are always great fun and a great help to people. The growth of them has been astonishing and sometimes we have over 40 people. It's terrific.”

What do you think of Stan's achievements? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail EveningStarLetters@eveningstar.co.uk

For more information on health walking people can contact the walks team at Suffolk Coastal council on 01394 444501 or pick up a walks programme from Felixstowe library or tourist information centre.