Peter Radcliffe, father of marathon world record holder, Paula Radcliffe and chair of Bedford and County AC, has been confirmed as the chair of the interim body that will become the new body, England Athletics.

Radcliffe – a former HR director with Interbrew UK and Ireland – was appointed yesterday as the reform process towards a regional structure – as suggested by the Foster Report earlier this year – gets underway.

The interim body will lead in the development of England Athletics, as well as overseeing the transfer of functions and responsibilities from UK Athletics and will feature representatives from the AAA of England, South of England AA, Midland Counties AA and the North of England AA.

Radcliffe will work closely with Sir Andrew Foster and Jack Buckner – chair and project director on the Foster Project Board – as well as David Moorcroft, chief executive of UK Athletics, in an effort to bring the new organisation online by spring 2006, following the Melbourne Commonwealth Games.

Radcliffe said: “I am very much looking forward to leading the creation of the new body. I’m pleased to be able to bring my experiences from both business and club athletics into this challenging and exciting role.”

Further appointments, including a chief executive are due to be made early in 2005. Details: www.ukathletics.net