THERE are moves afoot to kick start walking football in west Dorset.

Steeped in history and cemented through decades of support, football is the number one sport in England and is the most commonly played and most watched game worldwide.

Whether it’s following your local side through the good times and the bad, or following the multi-billion pound product that is the Premier League, the passion and love for the game never falters for the football fan.

As with most sports, you eventually cannot play it. Whether it is due to an injury, old age or you simply cannot afford to dedicate enough time to it, you may be forced to stop playing the sport you love.

Well, a bunch of committed men in the Bridport and Beaminster area are determined to keep on kicking.

Ryan Sweetman and Ken Bodycombe are both passionate about spreading the word that being over 50 doesn't mean giving up.

Their answer has been to set up 'walking football' and for the past two years a group have been meeting in Beaminster on a Monday night from 6pm to 7pm and their numbers have grown from eight to around 20 who lay regularly.

Now there's a chance for another team to practice at the Sir John Colfox pitch on Thursday nights from 6pm to 7pm.

Primarily aimed at men - or women - aged 50 and over, the game offers players the chance to play a competitive game of football.

Mr Bodycombe said: "It has a health and a social point to it. We are always hearing in the NHS about the importance of exercise and getting out in the fresh air. It makes perfect sense to me and we become like a family in a way.

"We have got people from aged 50 to 75."

Coach Ryan Sweetland, who started the Beaminster group said: "We cater for all abilities but it is mainly those who have missed playing the game who come.

"It is a way of keeping up a healthy lifestyle and keeping active and mobile through the week."

It also reintroduces the social element of playing football, the camaraderie and the banter that people who no longer play have missed.

The rules have been slightly altered. No running is allowed and the ball must not be kicked over head height. This results in a slower-paced game, but means the players have to put more thought into what positions they are in, and who they pass to.

It costs £5 a session to cover the costs of hiring the pitches and buying the kit.

Anyone who wants to know more should ring Mr Sweetland on 07803723705