Athlete's memorial to be repaired

The memorial to Julie Rose will be placed by the running track

A sculpture in honour of an athlete from Ashford, killed in an air crash 24 years ago while training in the US for the Olympics, is to be restored.

Middle distance runner Julie Rose, 21, a three times English Schools' 1500 metres champion, was in the US due to a lack of training facilities in Kent.

A stadium in her name opened in Ashford in 1997, but a memorial sculpture outside was vandalised two years ago.

It will be repaired by original artist, David Parfitt, and moved inside.

The new site for the sculpture will be at the south end of the running track at the Julie Rose Stadium.

Family delighted

The first slab of concrete will be laid next week, with work completed by January ahead of an official unveiling.

It will be paid for through funding and sponsorship from Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, Zurich, and Ashford Athletics Club.

Life vice-president of Ashford Athletics Club, and Ms Rose's former coach, Ted Hawkins, said both he and her family were delighted with the progress made on the memorial.

"I know that Julie's parents are very pleased that the sculpture is finally being restored, and that it will now be positioned close to the tracks and will be more 'involved' with the athlete's training.

"Everyone in the club and those who knew Julie are delighted things are moving forward," he said.