OLDER people in Helensburgh are being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the characters from hit TV comedy Still Game by taking up ‘walking football’.

A recent episode of the BBC series saw Jack, Victor and pals take to the pitch for a sport which, in real life, is being played by growing numbers of older people across Scotland.

And if you live in the Helensburgh area you can try the game every Wednesday at Hermitage Academy, thanks to Helensburgh FC.

Club secretary Sam Gemmell said: “We felt that as a club we should offer the older ones amongst us, including myself, the chance to take part.

“It is exactly what it sounds like – a standard game of football where players walk instead of run. It’s designed to help people get fit or maintain an active lifestyle no matter what their age and fitness, as well as support people getting back into football if they have given up due to age or injury.

“It brings many benefits – lower heart rate and blood pressure, less fat and more muscle and better mobility. It also allows the chance for folk to meet new people. We have been running for a few weeks now and the numbers are picking up."

There is no strict age limit to take part in the sessions – although the minimum age for competitive walking football is 50 – and sessions are every Wednesday in the Academy’s large games hall from 7pm to 8pm.

For more info see the Helensburgh Walking Football page on Facebook, or contact either Sam on 07738 953810 or Paul Campbell on 07841 332932.