Jenny Divall has her sister to thank for setting her on the road to 60 years at the same hockey club.

Divall is still turning out for K Sports at the age of 73 and celebrated her latest milestone at a surprise get-together featuring players from days gone by.

The club were known as Aylesford Paper Mills when Divall was “dragged along” by sister Wendy for her debut.

“I vaguely remember the fact it was my sister who dragged me along because their team was one short,” said Divall, who plays for the ladies’ 3rds these days.

“I can’t remember who it was against but I know it was at the Cobdown site.

“I played a bit at school, she played for Aylesford Paper Mills and they were one short so she dragged me along to make up the numbers. From that day I’ve never looked back.

“I’m enjoying it as much as ever to a certain extent.

“The old bones and joints give a bit of jip now and again but I always say to the girls, all the while I can play and I’m still of some use to the club, I’ll carry on.

“You’ve got to keep moving, as my husband says.

“I’ve actually played for 60 years for the same club.

“I’ve never moved on. It’s gone under different names but always on the same site.

“When I first started it was called Aylesford Paper Mills Sports Club, then it changed to Reeds, then it was Cobdown and now it’s K Sports.

“That’s the most remarkable thing, that it’s been 60 years for the same club, because I’ve represented the county and territories and things like that and so often nowadays if you show any signs of being any good they say you really need to move to a bigger club.

“I guess it must be a record of some sort. I don’t know anyone who’s played that long for the same club.”

Divall started as a centre-forward but “gradually migrated back” as she got older and normally plays in defence.

There have been numerous highlights over the years, although it’s a county match against hockey legend Val Robinson that stands out.

Robinson made 149 appearances for England and played 21 times for Great Britain, also winning two series of the TV show Superstars.

“We used to play a counties tournament, eight of us,” said Divall.

“Val Robinson was an incredible player and we had to beat Hertfordshire to win the tournament.

“The selectors, in their wisdom, decided to put me in such a position that I could mark her out of the game and I did.

“I don’t think I could pick one highlight for the club.

“We were trying to work it out the other week - I must have played over 1,000 games.

“I’ve got a title medal from 1984 but when I first started playing we didn’t play league hockey, it was all friendlies.

“Other than playing, it’s the friendship and camaraderie I enjoy.

“Now, for me, it’s about helping the youngsters we pick up and making sure they feel included because that’s the sort of club we are.”