In 30 years without missing a single game, diehard Gills fan Peter Lloyd reckons he has seen an incredible 1,590 matches, but says the best was the one when he married wife Melanie – at Priestfield Stadium, of course.

On Saturday, Peter celebrated three decades of unbroken support for the club he loves in the only way possible.

He was up at dawn to head 180 miles north to Crewe for game number 1,591 dressed in the same trademark parka that he has worn to all the others.

It’s only been washed once, so it’s no surprise that long-suffering wife Melanie keeps it at arm’s length at their home near Rainham.

Born and bred in Gillingham, Peter was taken to his first match by mum Pauline Lloyd when he was six.

Civil servant Peter, 51, said: “Looking back I think it was more a case of me taking her. I can remember we were at home to Bradford City and won 2-1.

“I remember we sat in the old wooden stand on the Gordon Road side. I was absolute rubbish at playing football, but have always loved watching it.”

Peter, a former Howard School pupil, continued to go to home games – and even when he went to university in York travelled back to support his team.

When he completed his maths degree, and even when he got a job in London, his appetite never waned.

“There was another occasion when a family friend was getting married in Sussex. I missed the ceremony, but came back for the evening do. I got a taxi both ways, but it was worth it.” - Peter Lloyd

He said: “I don’t think I am obsessed. I’m just fortunate enough to have a job where I don’t work Saturdays and am able to take time off, although there have been times when I have taken leave to go to a game.”

At times his unflinching dedication has interfered with his personal life.

He said: “My brother-in-law asked me to be best man at his wedding, but he made sure the wedding was in the summer and out of season.

“And there was another occasion when a family friend was getting married in Sussex. I went down on the Friday came back for the match on the Saturday. I missed the ceremony, but came back for the evening do. I got a taxi both ways, but it was worth it.”

Peter, a former chairman of governors at Twydall Primary School, met Melanie, also a civil servant, at work.

It didn’t take long before she realised if you can’t beat them, join them and started going along to games, even roping in her brother and dad.

Melanie, 49, said: “I knew what I was getting into and I enjoy going along, although I do get a bit fed up by the end of the season. But I don’t just sit indoors when he is away at games. I do have a life and go out with friends.”

While Melanie and her family sit in the stands Peter, who is a commentator for the Gills’ internet radio station, is in the press box.

The couple have been married for 12 years, and when they were looking for a wedding venue the choice was obvious.

Peter said: “That has to be a highlight for me. We were the first couple to get married and have our reception there. The chairman Paul Scally and his wife Sara were guests.”

Like most football fans, Peter is philosophical about his approach to the game. He said: “There’s always going to be disappointment, like the play-offs and the horrendous losses to non-League teams.

“But it’s not all about going to Wembley. It’s about watching the Gills at Accrington Stanley.”

The biggest change he has seen over the years is the transformation of Priestfield Stadium. He said: “In the early days to call it a stadium was being kind. It was an old, ramshackle ground with an uneven pitch. To be fair, in the 20 years Mr Scally has been there, he has transformed it single-handedly.”

Now riding high at the top of League 1, the furthest Peter has to travel is Fleetwood in Lancashire, 284 miles away.

He said: “I know some would say I could get nearly to the Caribbean in that time, but I’d rather be sitting in a field in Fleetwood.”