WHARFEDALE has been the cradle of great sport – Ilkley Tennis Club has a national reputation as too does Ben Rhydding Hockey Club.

But look out there's a new kid on the block and it's Walk Football.

The sport for the over 50s who want to cast off the pipe and armchair image and get out onto the pitch.

Match of the Day may be great Saturday night viewing but doesn't compare with an arthritic stepover which leaves an overweight wing back trailing in one's slipstream.

The man with the vision for this silver fox sport is Bernie Lyons. A qualified FA Coach, he is determined to establish the sport in Wharfedale.

Early days were tough as he tramped the Moors and travelled the streets of Ilkley handing out leaflets and bribing retailers to display his posters.

But the latent demand was there for guys who remembered the glory days at Elland Road, Valley Parade and Park Avenue.

They came – and still do – in increasing numbers to, initially Ben Rhydding Sports Club for a Friday game on the Astroturf, but now also to Marley Activity Centre in Keighley, Guiseley AFC and Harrogate Town AFC.

The numbers have increased too from the initial ten-a-side at Ben Rhydding to now 150 regulars across the four grounds.

The benefits of the game cannot be overstated as exercise and weight loss have contributed to a noticeable improvement in the standard of play. Players enjoy the social side too with curry evenings and the odd visit to the bowling club.

The sight of 20 or more ageing athletes warming up at Ben Rhydding is truly a sight for sore eyes as the grunts and groans accompanying the groin stretches echo across the valley and hamstrings stretch and calves expand to the sound of Bernie's coaching commands.