JOHN Scowcroft has been a fixture on the Bolton table tennis circuit for 70 years and has no intention of hanging up his bat any time soon.

Now 82, he still turns out regularly for his team, Meadow Ben A, still with much of the remarkable agility around the table which has been his trademark down the years.

His love for the game began when he played at Longsight Methodist Youth Club.

Living on a farm meant his summer months were spent working long hours and there was just no time left over to play outdoor sports.

Table tennis was something he could find time for and his enjoyment quickly developed into a passion.

Fast forward to the present day and he is still playing competitively, and loving every minute of it like he always has.

His love of the game has not only been in evidence in the clubs where he plays matches but also at home.

Many years ago he converted a greenhouse in his back garden into a table tennis room which was so good it was used for league matches.

And when he turned 80, his birthday celebrations naturally had a table tennis theme when his grandchildren paid for a trip to Blackpool to take part in an over-80s tournament.

And he is still rising to challenges, like when Meadow Ben were moved up a division at the start of this season due to the league being restructured after teams folded.

He was a little worried Meadow Ben might not be able to cope in Division One, but he has been relatively happy with how they have fared.

It is not just John who has been around the Bolton table tennis scene for a long time – so have his bat and a briefcase he uses to carry his equipment.

He has used the same bat for 40 years and the case for 60.

It bears his initials and carries all his essentials, including a hand-written fixture list, membership card and a bag of table tennis balls.

Spending a virtual lifetime in the local game, he has done much for it in terms of coaching and encouraging others.

But it is what it has done for him that he is grateful for.

It has given him enjoyment – especially these days when he gets one over on younger players – kept him fit and brought his competitive edge out of him – benefits he cannot see himself ever wanting to end.

“I like beating these young ’uns," he said.

"It’s a game everybody can play at their own level and they’ll have to carry me off.”

Despite his dedication to the sport, John, who lives in Bromley Cross, does not see himself retiring from playing to concentrate on coaching, even though he has taught his whole family how to play.

His three daughters played, along with his nephew, Stephen – one of the best players Bolton has produced – and his grandchildren.