By George, he's bowling at 96!

Shropshire bowls not only boasts a team in Sunday's Crosfield Cup final, it may just boast the oldest person playing regularly in a league in Britain.

George Hillier will return to action in a KBM Oswestry League fixture tonight, aged an amazing 96.

A former secretary of the league, Hillier will play for Criftins B away to Llanrhaeadr D in division five.

Even a couple of recent falls have not put him off, Hillier putting his longevity on the greens down purely to "enjoying the game."

"I get plenty of exercise – I love gardening too."

He's not played many games this season but, after a bit of practice, is raring to go tonight.

Having worked for the Colonial Service, Hillier played flat green bowls in Northern Rhodesia until 1960.

He took up crown green at the tender age of 71 and has played for Criftins – near his home at Dudleston Heath, Ellesmere – since 1983.

Despite retiring from the post of secretary at the Criftins club five years ago, he was determined to carry on playing.

And Criftins are mighty proud of him, club spokesperson Bridget Henstock saying: "George is no couch potato and to watch him strut across the green would put many a younger player to shame!

"We wonder if George is the oldest league player in Shropshire, or even the country?

"We would love to hear of anyone surpassing George's achievement."

By MALCOLM FLETCHER