A KEEN athlete who was a regular fixture at South Lakeland running events in his youth was invited to referee track and field events at the Olympics in recognition of his dedication to sport.

Barry Dobson, formerly of Calgarth in Windermere, was one of two referees selected for the responsibility from Queensland, Australia, where he now lives with his Kendalian wife Irene, and their two daughters.

The former Windermere Grammar School pupil first caught the media's attention when he and up to 20 relatives looked set to become the largest family to head down under in the 1960s.

Andrea Thompson, one of his eight siblings, told the Gazette that Barry had worked his way up in athletics in Australia since moving there in 1963, and has coached Queensland Marathon Team and world-class marathon runner Pat Carroll.

He has also managed Queensland athletic team and been president of his running club.

Andrea, who has been avidly watching the Olympics trying to spot her elder brother, continued: "He was very excited about doing this.

To a great extent it is recognition of the effort Barry has put into athletics, and he really sees it as a big honour and was thrilled to bits to be asked.

He knows he has worked hard for this, but he didn't work hard with this in mind."

Barry, a self-employed joiner, has previously worked as a timekeeper at the Commonwealth Games, and he has been invited to referee at the Paralympics later this year.