A POPULAR greyhound trainer from the New Forest died after collapsing during a meet at the weekend.

Hundreds of people were at the venue in Stadium Way, Poole, on Saturday night when Harry Attwater, pictured, thought to be in his late 70s, fell to the ground.

Sadly, despite the efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at Poole General Hospital later with his son at his side.

Stadium manager Shaun Spencer-Perkins said: “Shortly after race four we were made aware that one of the trainers, Harry Attwater, had collapsed in the middle of the track on the centre green.

“Staff quickly attended and an ambulance was called.

Paramedics began CPR when they arrived.”

In full view of those at the stadium, Mr Attwater was given medical assistance by ambulance staff before he was taken to hospital in an ambulance.

Mr Spencer-Perkins said the 8.56pm and races onwards were not run, and the meeting was ultimately abandoned.

“It has been very upsetting for all of us as Harry was such a popular man,”he said.

Mr Attwater, of Hordle near Lymington, had been “attached to the stadium for many years,” Mr Spencer- Perkins said.

“Harry was very well known in the racing community,” he said.

“He was extremely well liked by everyone at the track – a very happy, friendly man who was a real asset to the team here. He will be missed.”