Pensioner Harry Ross, 83, has had a hip replacement and a heart problem but neither can stop the man’s passion for playing table tennis.

The oldest player in two leagues has been playing for 70 years and has been very good and has won a lot of games even when he got older and not as sharp.

Harry said: “I started out when I was 13 in the Lower Crumpsall Men’s Social club. They wanted to find something for the younger lads to do while the older men were off fighting in the war.

“That was 70 years ago and I still just love playing the game. I do still win games – I think luck plays a part and I have a good attacking back hand.”

Regarding his health he added this: “I am full of aches and pains – as you’d probably expect from a player of my age. It’s partly due to all the sport I’ve played my whole life.”

He also played other sports in including football and cricket but table tennis is the only one that stayed with as he got older.

The last player he beat

David, 29, said: “To be honest he was too good for me. I think he picked the right bat out of his collection that night as he not only hit me off the table but both my team mates got a bit of a panning too.

“ I’m just one of many players to be on the wrong side of the result over the years I guess.”