A MAN who was at the forefront of a campaign to preserve and restore Worcestershire’s historic milestones has died.

Terry Keegan, a founder member of the national Milestone Society, died on June 21 after a long battle with illness.

He is survived by his wife Mary and children Alison, Roy and Ricky.

The 81-year-old of Clows Top, near Bewdley, was the first secretary of the national society and later its vice-chairman – a role he held until his death.

He also led the Worcestershire group and some 200 remaining milestones in the county were identified under his leadership.

The oldest milestones date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, but many had their cast-iron direction plates removed during the Second World War.

Through the efforts of Mr Keegan and fellow society members, the plates are gradually being replaced and the first project to be completed was the restoration of 11 milestones along the A443 from Worcester to the Hundred House at Great Witley.

The next project to be finished was a similar run from Worcester to Bradley Green via Crowle and the series from Worcester to Eldersfield via Longdon is the current project.

The group has also been working to replace missing stones and Mr Keegan’s last public appearance was to unveil one commemorating the Diamond Jubilee on the A449 Ombersley Road near the Claines roundabout.

David Beacham, a member of the Milestone Society, said: “Terry had a very gentle and courteous manner which, together with his enthusiasm for the subject, has resulted in the restoration of the many milestones now visible along not only Worcestershire roads but nationally as well. He will be sorely missed”

Although born in Dublin, Mr Keegan lived in England for most of his life and was a talented runner as a youth.

He once beat world record breaker and Olympic athlete Chris Chataway and in 1952 he featured on the front of The Athletic Reveiw.

His other interests led to the founding of the Heavy Horse Society and the revival of horse-ploughing matches.

A funeral took place at Stourport Crematorium on Friday, July 6.