A former professional footballer and ex-serviceman is still playing the beautiful game - at the age of 90.

Canterbury pensioner Bob Temple’s sporting experience spans three continents and more than seven decades of goals, refereeing and coaching.

Reflecting on his long career on his 90th birthday, Bob - thought to be Kent’s oldest footballer - says exercise, discipline and determination have been the key to his success.

“I’ve always devoted myself to being fit and have always enjoyed playing football,” said the nonagenarian midfielder.

“Even now I work out every morning and play football twice a week. I have never drunk very much and I’ve just kept going.”

As a young man in 1948, Bob joined the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, serving in various regions of the world, including in the Korean War.

After his time as a professional footballer for Bristol Rovers, he became a Football Association coach, with spells playing in various countries around the world.

Trotting the globe from Europe, to Africa to the Middle East, his pace, dribbling skills and knack for scoring winners has earned him flattery in the press throughout his life.

The North and East Hants Observer described how defenders could “only watch helplessly” as he headed his team (then Alton) to a 3-1 upset victory over Newport in 1960.

A German newspaper also once dubbed him a “darling of the crowd”.

“As I’ve grown older I think I’ve been able to get away with more because people look at me and think ‘oh don’t take on him, you’ll tie him up in a knot’, but then I’ll just score,” he added.

“I was always very athletic and would do various tricks on the field.

"One of them was the over-head kick.

"What was the best goal I ever scored? Well, any one that went in.”

Bob, who lives near the Spitfire Ground, is now a member of Canterbury Mariners Walking Football Club and turns out every Friday for training at Aylesham Leisure Centre.

Celebrating his milestone birthday with a match, he received best wishes from his fellow club members.

One called him “a legend”, while another said he “epitomises the ethos of walking football – never too old to play the beautiful game”.