Channel Tunnel pioneer dies at 66

Sir Alastair Morton, one of the most influential figures in the British railway industry, has died of a heart attack aged 66.

The former chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority pioneered the construction of the Channel Tunnel and will be remembered for finally making the dream of a direct land link between Britain and France a reality.

For 10 years he badgered, bullied and persuaded government ministers to back the construction of the tunnel. As co-chairman of Eurotunnel his determination also succeeded in raising the necessary finances.

The tunnel opened in May, 1994, a year behind schedule and billions of pounds over budget.

South African-born Sir Alastair then joined the SRA as chairman, but resigned in 2001 in frustration at not been given the legal powers he felt he needed to solve the crisis in the rail industry.

Sir Alastair came to Britain to study law at Oxford and is survived by wife Sara, whom he married in 1964, their daughter Jessica and son Hadrian.