A WORLD record breaker with a proud military past will be remembered in Hereford.

The funeral of Neville Payne, who not only became a world coal carrying champion in the 1970s but also served with R Squadron 22SAS, took place on Thursday.

In February 1976, the Hereford Times reported how Neville spent five hours and 40 minutes slogging his way from Eardisley to Hereford carrying a sack of coal weighing 123lbs to raise money for three injured SAS soldiers.

The feat was performed in front of hundreds to beat the world record by four miles. He even amazed onlookers, crowded along Eign Gate, by running to the end.

He followed this up in April 1976 by walking 30 one-mile laps around the King George Playing Fields in 11 hours and 15 minutes.

On that occasion he had 120lbs to haul to raise money for Barrs Court Special School.

As well as working as a bricklayer for much of his working life, Neville spent a number of years as part of R Squadron 22SAS, the reserve unit directly attached to 22SAS, where he acquired a unique nickname.

“He was called Low Level Neville because he was always the last to open his parachute on freefall exercises,” said his son Martin.

On one occasion during a jump over Hereford racecourse, Neville ended up gashing his leg after crashing through an asbestos roof. “He was taken to hospital where the wound was stitched up and was laughing about it when he got home,” said Martin.

As part of his time with R Squadron 22SAS, Neville undertook six weeks jungle training in Borneo. He served for around eight years and reached the rank of full corporal.

He had previously embarked on national service as a trooper in the tank regiment serving in north Africa.

In his 50s, he took up flying microlights and this was his main interest until his death.

Neville, of Chestnut Drive, Hinton, Hereford, died aged 77, at St Michael’s Hospice.

He leaves his wife Sheila, sons Martin and Gary, daughter Christine, 11 grandchilden, and 12 great-grandchildren.

All are welcome to the funeral and weather permitting there will be a fly-past of microlights between 5pm and 7pm.