A former semi-pro footballer is marking more than 60 years in the game as he turns 80.

Malcolm Longhurst made his debut for Sheppey United men’s side in 1962 – the same year Everton won the English Division 1 title – and is still playing the sport he loves.

The Rushenden resident started making appearances for the junior side when he was 15 in 1959 before his senior debut aged 18.

He signed up for the Ites after having kickabouts behind the stands with his mates outside Sheppey United’s home ground at Botany Road.

The former carpenter says the highlight of his time at Sheppey was winning the Kent League. Altogether he was at the club for five seasons playing on the right-wing.

He left at the age of 20 and went on to play for Faversham and Whitstable.

He bowed out of he semi-professional game at the age of 40 but joined Rushenden Football Club where he played until he was 55 and had to have his hips replaced.

Then, three years ago, the grandad-of-10 re-kindled his love for the sport at Range Rover Walking Football Club, which plays its home fixtures at the Oasis Academy’s Minster campus.

Malcolm says he has no plans to hang up his boots anytime soon, telling the Times Guardian: “I love everything about the game, the social side of things and seeing my family.

“I will never stop playing and will play for as long as I can and am still enjoying it. But I suppose one day I will have to stop.”

The rest of his family also caught the football bug, with two of his sons and grandson Harrison McCall also involved with Sheppey United.

Harrison made his senior debut for the club last month, following in the footsteps of his uncle, Matt Longhurst, 52.

Matt and youngest brother Nathan play walking football with their dad and say it is “incredible” their dad is still getting out on the pitch.

Nathan said: “I don’t know how he does it. I get aches and pains playing and I‘m 51.”

Paul Chalk, manager at the club, which is entering its third season, says Malcolm is an “absolute joy” to have in the squad.

The 60-year-old said: “As a manager, you couldn’t meet anyone that is that committed to the game.

“He has always been a pleasure and a very good footballer with a good touch and a great footballing brain even at 80.

“Malcolm is the ultimate figure in the club, he’s the Gandalf of the team, and we think the world of him.”

Range Rover Walking Football Club is open to “anyone who wants to get off the couch and come along and have a bit of fun”, Paul added.

“All different walks are playing here,” he said. “There’s some here who don’t want to play competitive football, there’s tournament football for those who don’t want to be in a league programme so there’s something for everyone.

“It’s not based on ability, it’s about getting out here on the football pitch and having fun and a bit of banter.”