BRITAIN’s oldest surviving Olympian whose career as an athlete was interrupted by his service in the Second World War has died at the age of 101.

Bill Lucas, from Cowfold, was a celebrated runner who competed in the 5,000 metres race at the 1948 London Olympics.

Bill, who was a veteran of the Royal Air Force, was involved in a total of 81 missions during his service.

He died at the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath on March 28.

Born in London, Bill left grammar school at the age of 15, going on to work in various jobs in the capital, including as a clerk for a publisher and for an insurance company.

Bill made his mark during the war by becoming a bomber pilot following his time training.

During the Second World War he flew in a number of important missions and took part in the Allies’ first bomber raid over Cologne in May 1942.

Bill went on to serve in the Pathfinder Force for the remainder of the war, which led to him being mentioned in despatches in January 1945.

He was honoured with the Distinguished Flying Cross later that year and served in the RAF until the end of the war, leaving his days as a pilot behind him with the rank of squadron leader.

Upon his return from military service, Bill focused on enjoying his family life and worked for a while as an insurance broker.

Representing Britain at many international distance running events, Bill also won many medals for his successes running for his club, Belgrave Harriers, in the London to Brighton Relay.

Bill lived in Cowfold with his wife Sheena and he had two daughters.

Although he had a long and successful running career, he was reportedly never paid for his years spent dedicated to the sport.

He retired as a runner in 1954.

Last year, he was listed as the oldest living Olympian in the UK.