A TOP executive collapsed and died after a workout in a gym.

Alan Beswick, a manager for Jaguar Cars, was declared dead at the Witney Bodyfit Studios. He was in his early 50s and had been in the club for about an hour. It is believed he suffered a severe heart attack while on an exercise bike.

Club manager Simon Rhodes said today: "Our thoughts and sympathy at this time go out to his family and friends."

Mr Beswick, 53, of Park- lands, Freeland, was a member of the club at the Bridge Street Mills industrial estate for about four years. He was married to Pauline and they have two grown-up children.

Mr Beswick went to the club in the early evening. At about 7.30pm two members of staff rushed to try to help him after he suddenly collapsed.

They gave him emergency CRP treatment and an ambulance was called. Officers continued to try and revive him when they arrived shortly afterwards, but to no avail.

Pc Colin Richards, of Witney police, said: "They tried all they could, but a doctor was called and he was pronounced dead at the scene."

Although an autopsy was carried out there is not expected to be an inquest into the death.

Mr Beswick had worked in the motor industry virtually all his life, starting with Lucas, switching to Chrysler and then on to British Leyland at Cowley in various financial jobs.

In 1981 he joined Unipart as purchasing director and became commercial director two years later, pioneering the cellular telephone company Uniqueair.

He joined Jaguar at Coventry in 1991 as parts planning and programmes manager.

Colin Cook, Jaguar spokesman, said: "He was very well respected in the industry and was responsible for developing a worldwide customers service operation."

The funeral is tomorrow 2pm, at Freeland Parish Church, followed by cremation at Oxford.

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