Is Bob county's oldest footballer?

At the age of 68 he still plays regularly for Buxted Football Club.

Bob, from Stocklands Farm, Hadlow Down is a sheep farmer who cares for a flock of about 350.

He said: 'We were brought up when there wasn't much food or drink around and I have never smoked.

'We had a very healthy diet and I suppose that's a good foundation.

'Even now I don't overeat or over-drink.'

Bob goes training every Tuesday and he's hoping he's recovered from a few brusied ribs and will be able to take part in the club's charity match on September 2.

He's also posed for the famous Buxted Football Club calendar - where players' vital assets are cunningly screened behind footballs or a large signboard.

He is also a published poet who is making a poetry CD for blind people and a member of the Uckfield Writers' Guild.

When he and his wife moved to Hadlow Down they were both travelling up to their city jobs in London every day.

He joined the veterans team in East Grinstead and realised to his pleasure he was a lot fitter than some of the other younger players.

He retired to become a full-time sheep farmer and is convinced the outdoor life - plus his wartime childhood - was the foundation for healthy lifestyle habits which have kept him in fine physical fettle since.

Buxted Park hotel is offering a voucher for Sunday lunch for four people to anyone who can prove they are older than 69 and still playing non-league football in East Sussex.

This is not just a kickabout, not a veterans' team but real, non-league, football on a regular basis.

If you - or someone you know - regularly plays competitive non-league football in East Sussex then ring the Sussex Express on 01273 480601 or email [email protected] or leave comments below.