A TOP amateur runner from Deane who forged a new life in Bermuda has died.

A former member of Bolton Harriers, Peter Lever collapsed on the island last Monday before dying of a heart attack aged 68.

He ran with Bolton road running legend Ron Hill, and used his influence to attract such household names as Olympic legend Steve Cram to visit Bermuda.

Mr Lever's brother Harold had visited Bermuda in the days prior to his death because his health had deteriorated.

Hundreds of people attended his funeral on the island, where Mr Lever moved about 40 years ago after first moving to Canada.

His brother Allan, who still lives in Deane, said: "Peter had a great sense of humour without a doubt and was a very sociable man.

"He had friends all over the world from his running, in the USA, Canada and elsewhere.

"He loved his life over there. It is a small place Bermuda so you have to throw yourself into things and he did.

"Peter came over quite a bit to visit and did a 10k at Leverhulme Park the last time he was here."

Mr Lever taught at Saltus Grammar School in the 1970s in Bermuda and later ventured into real estate. He was owner of the Wigwam real estate company.

For many years he boasted the fastest marathon time of anyone living in Bermuda — 2 hours, 21 minutes and 19 seconds — recorded in the Detroit Marathon in 1972.

Brother Allan also recalled Mr Lever being the first pupil at Canon Slade School to break the five-minute mile when he was about 14.

Mr Lever had no children, and was one of five children born to father Harold, also a runner, and mother Elsie. He also leaves behind sisters Christine and Carole.

Allan added: "Peter was very fit — he did not run marathons anymore but he was still active.

"It does make you think because he never smoked in his life and was very healthy."