A WIDNES athlete has been hailed a 'Paralympic legend'.

Tributes are being paid to paralympian table tennis medallist Tony Edge, 65, of Russell Court, who achieved success in the early days of the Paralympic movement.

The gifted player won a silver medal in men's single class at the Stoke Mandeville and New York 1984 Paralympic Games.

Karen Tonge MBE, chairman of Halton Table Tennis Club, said: "Tony will be remembered for his competitive edge but always willing to inspire and help younger players.

"A fantastic achievement was to win a table tennis silver medal in the early days of the paralympics at the Stoke Mandeville and New York 1984 Paralympic Games.

"It was a privilege to have coached him in the lead up to these Games and learn about para sport as it developed."

For years he was a member of Halton Table Tennis league, trained at Halton Table Tennis Club and played in other leagues and at Greenbank in Liverpool.

Karen added: "Unfortunately he has not been fit enough to play in the last 12 months although he was thinking about returning again in the near future.

"He was an inspiration to all who knew him a brave, lovely man.

"His fear of flying prevented him competing in more Paralympic Games but performance players always found him difficult to beat and he was regard as a Paralympic legend.

"'Tosh’ will be sadly missed by all who knew him."

Tony's funeral is on Wednesday, June 10 at 10am at St Bede's Church in Appleton Village, followed by a service at Widnes Crematorium at 11am.

Donations are being made to Water Aid in his memory.