Gertie Nightingale is 90 and a force to be reckoned with when she picks up her table tennis bat.

Mrs Nightingale, of Stanhope Road, Dover, plays weekly with the Over 50s Club at the town's leisure centre.

Upon her arrival, she stashes her walking stick away and takes to the floor for doubles games where she is renowned for her challenging serve.

Mrs Nightingale, who has five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, is a wonderful advertisement for staying fit and active for longevity. She loves swimming and until last year swam in the sea daily. Until fairly recently she took part in yoga and acquacise classes.

Mrs Nightingale said: “I do love the social aspect of playing table tennis, even though everyone else is so much younger than me.”

To read her full story, buy the Dover Mercury or the East Kent Mercury.