Tennis ace game to play on at 99

Tom is thought to be Britain’s oldest tennis player, still taking on friends at his local club three times a week.

The super-veteran credits the sport with keeping him fit and healthy, and says he has no plans to stop any time soon.

Father-of-two Tom has been a member of West Yorkshire Tennis Club, in Notton, near Wakefield, for 40 years and makes an eight-minute journey to go there to play from his home all year round, no matter what the weather.

He even plans to play a match on his 100th birthday next year.

He said: “It’s a sport I’ve always loved and I’ve played since I was a youngster.

“If I stopped playing, that’s when I’d start to feel my age but keeping fit and healthy comes with playing tennis.

“I’ve always led an active lifestyle. I enjoy the fresh air and being with friends, so I’ll never stop playing.”

Tom, who lives in Royston, remembers watching Fred Perry win his first Wimbledon title in 1934.

 

He added: “My first racket was a wooden Slazenger but I now have a nylon frame racket.”

Tom has led an interesting life away from the court.

A former steam engine driver, he fought in the war and was captured at Arnhem, spending time in a German prisoner of war camp.

His story is told in a book about him, Captured At Arnhem.