HUNDREDS of runners turned out to pay their respects to Steve Binks who died while taking part in Middlesbrough Parkrun.

Steve Binks died despite receiving first aid treatment at the scene when he collapsed whilst running at Stewart Park.

His wife, Shereen Binks, has since thanked those who battled to save her husband’s life at the park, which she said will always be their special place.

Ruth McMaster Lees urged the runners to take part in a minute's applause before they set off on their weekly run.

A message from Shereen was read out as well to thank those taking part.

It said: "Steve died doing something he loved in their favourite park and she was glad she was with him at the time."

Ms McMaster Lees added: "Last week one of the members of our Parkrun community, Steve Binks, tragically died out on the course, despite the best efforts of volunteers, runners and the emergency services to help him.

"Steve's wife Shereen is here today and she would like everyone to know how grateful she is for everything that was done for Steve and herself last week, and for the messages of condolence and support."

Amongst the runners taking part were members of Mr Binks' cycling club the Cleveland Wheelers.

The Middlesbrough man who had been retired for almost 13 months before his death, previously worked as a principal engineer at Middlesbrough Council, but had a long history inspiring future cyclists.

The 62-year-old, originally from Ormesby near Middlesbrough, became a keen cyclist in his mid-teens before he met his wife.

For more than 40 years, alongside various roles including taking up the position as chief of the Safety Advisory Group with Middlesbrough FC, he helped run the Cleveland Wheelers cycling club.

Ms McMaster Lees told the gathered runners that Mr Binks had probably taught most of the youngsters in the town to ride a bike through his love of cycling.

She added: “Steve was passionate about cycling and it has been said to me this week that he has probably taught half the population of Middlesbrough how to ride a bike.”

The runners set off after the minute’s applause.