MANY are mourning the death of one of Ashford's most famous international superstars from the past.

Off duty former all-national heavyweight wrestling champion 'Dangerous' Danny Lynch, 68, who died in the William Harvey hospital on Tuesday, was really a gentle giant always looking to encourage others to reach the peak in their sporting exploits.

A proud Yorkshireman he came to Ashford to make it his home and business base in the 1960s.

In 1982 he became world champion, taking on all-comers in trouble-torn Beirut to add to his stack of trophies - most of which he gave away.

He also starred in several films including Quest for Fire and numerous television adverts.

He eventually became landlord of the recently closed Ben Truman pub on the Stanhope estate, and then with his long-term partner Hilary, The Swan in Appledore for eight years.

He retired due to ill-health to live quietly in retirement in Shadoxhurst and for the past four years in Stone-in-Oxney.

* See the Kentish Express (Thursday, May 31) for a full obituary.