A HEADSTONE that captures the extraordinary life of Oxford great Sir Roger Bannister has been installed in his final resting place.

Witney-based artist Alec Peever has designed and engraved the stone which was unveiled at Wolvercote Cemetery during a short ceremony yesterday.

It pays tribute to the many aspects of Sir Roger's life including his record-breaking sub four minute mile run as well as his academic career as a neurologist and loving family life.

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His wife Lady Moyra Bannister described the engraving as 'beautiful'.

She said the 'apple had not fallen far from the tree' as many of his children and grandchildren were equally athletic.

One of his grandchildren, Charlton Bannister, is set to take part in the Celtman challenge today, described as a 'extreme Scottish triathlon' which includes a 202k bike and 42k run.

Mr Peever, who cuts lettering by hand and made the memorial out of slate, said: "Making a monument to such a distinguished man is both moving and thrilling.

"It is a challenge and the planning is everything.

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"I knew I had the skills to engrave the letters but whenever you set out on something like this, you don't know how it is going to go.

"This one went like a song - everything fell into place.

"Hopefully it is a fitting tribute for a man who achieved so much in his life."

Sir Roger, who died in March 2018 aged 88, became the first person to run a mile in under four minutes, at Iffley Road running track on May 6, 1954.

He lived in Oxford for much of his life and described it as his ‘emotional home.’

He served as the master at Pembroke College from 1985 to 1993 and students there were awarded scholarships in his name earlier this year.