A veteran trainer has vowed to carry on coaching despite being expelled from a top athletics club after being found guilty of gross misconduct by the sport's governing body.

Dennis Quinlan, pictured, a member of Bingley Harriers and Athletic Club for 28 years, has had his coaching pass and licence withdrawn by UK Athletics.

Mr Quinlan, 59, of Westwood Crescent, Cottingley, who was last year's Bingley Harriers Fell Champion, admitted non-sexual harassment after sending abusive letters to two women club members.

But he says he is now considering possible legal action against Birmingham-based UK Athletics and a club member.

He said: "This has been going on six months and Bingley Harriers have never asked me to explain what's happening and have held the committee meeting without me being present.

"There's quite a lot I could have said but the problem is there is so much that needs saying. It will probably all come out eventually."

He added he intended to keep giving training advice to Bradford runners.

In a statement, the club said: "Following an inquiry into his coaching conduct by UK Athletics, Dennis Quinlan has been found guilty of gross misconduct and his coaching pass and licence have been withdrawn.

"As a consequence Mr Quinlan is no longer a member of Bingley Harriers' coaching team.

"Members should note that Mr Quinlan is no longer authorised to coach on behalf of Bingley Harriers and is no longer covered by the club's insurance to do so.

"Any athletes whom he coaches in a private capacity will not themselves be covered by the club's or UK Athletics' insurance.

"The club has considered what further action may be necessary in the interests of all its members and has decided to terminate Mr Quinlan's club membership forthwith.

"Bingley Harriers wishes to stress that this difficult matter, which involved complaints from adult members of the club and not children, has been addressed as thoroughly and sensitively as possible.

"The club has a child protection policy in place and this will now be formally extended to cover adult members. The club now considers this matter closed.''

Bingley Harriers' club secretary Alan Oates added: "Dennis has been a competitor and a club member for a long time and has been a respected coach of many elite athletes over the years, so everyone's taken aback by what's happened and the course of action we've had to take.''

Another club official said: "People feel very sad about it because he's a well respected man.''

A UK Athletics spokesman said: "Following a complaint UK Athletics' disciplinary procedure came into action.

"Mr Quinlan went before a disciplinary panel of three independent people and following that hearing his coaching pass and licence was withdrawn. He appealed and that appeal was turned down.''