Former Olympian in appeal

A former British Olympic captain, who grew up in Shropshire, is appealing for help from old county friends for his new book about his career in athletics.

Robbie Brightwell, 68, shot to fame in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics alongside his wife-to-be Ann Packer. Mr Brightwell, who was introduced to his chosen sport in Shropshire, is a former pupil of Shrewsbury Technical College.

The former 400m runner, who finished fourth at the games, wants to hear from his class mates of 1956-8.

Mr Brightwell, who now lives in Cheshire, said he was in touch with a few of his old classmates but wanted to hear from others.

He has been looking back at his life for as-yet-untitled book, which compares athletics in his era to the modern industry.

Mr Brightwell and his wife Ann, who famously won the gold medal in the 800m at the 1964 games, returned to Shropshire earlier this week to visit Much Wenlock, where the modern Olympics was founded.

The as-yet-untitled book will recall how he used to run once a week up the Wrekin while training.

He said: "I went to Shrewsbury Technical College between 1956 and 1958 and there was about 20 of us in the class. I can still remember most of their names but I'd love to hear from anyone who went there. We had a great time there and it would help me with the book.

"It's virtually finished and I hope to have it out by the end of next year. The people in Shropshire changed my life and the county changed the world with the birthplace of industry and it spawned the Olympics."

Afghanistan-born Mr Brightwell, who grew up in Donnington and first attended Trench Secondary Modern School, said his athletics talent first came to the fore in Shropshire.

Old friends can contact Mr Brightwell at robbie.brightwell@btinternet.com

By Steve Todd