OLDER Reading FC fans will be sorry to hear that Len Vallard has passed away at the age of 79.

A left-back, he made 40 first-team appearanaces between 1959-62 and later went on to skipper Basingstoke Town, leading them to two Hampshire League titles.

Len was also a useful cricketer, as he proved in a game for Tadley in 1974 when he hit a staggering five sixes and a four in the same over, a total of 34 runs, earning him a player-of-the-month award from the Reading Evening Post.

He also worked at the Berkshire Printing Company.

A 10k charity fun run is to be held in Reading on Sunday, November 3.

It is part of a nationwide series staged by MCC Promotions and will be supported locally by Crowne Plaza Reading and Papa Johns.

The two lap-course will start (10am) and finish at Rivermead Leisure Centre.

With an entry fee of £15, the charity set to benefit will be Poppy's Path which supports those with Cerebal Palsey.

READING solicitors Field Seymour Parkes and Hilton Hotel Reading are among the companies sponsoring the Get Berkshire Active awards.

With 12 awards on offer, nominations are open until November 28, with winners announced at a gala dinner to be held at the Hilton Hotel on February 28.

These annual awards are an opportunity for people, clubs and organisations to be recognised and celebrated for their achievements and commitment to sport and physical activity at all levels.

Brett Nicholls, CEO of Get Berkshire Active, said: “This is a special evening to say thank you to lots of brilliant people who give so much of their time to ensure sport and physical activity is available to everyone”.

A HAPPY baby announcement – former GB Olympians and Reading hockey stars Helen and Kate Richardson-Walsh are to become parents.

Helen is carrying the baby confirming: "I’m due at the end of the year and we can’t wait.

"I feel excited and blessed that soon we will be three."