OLDER footballers will never walk alone after a group to keep over 50s fit and active kicked off again.

Morton in the Community have relaunched their 'walking football' sessions at Inverkip Hub after the full time whistle was abruptly called by the first lockdown.

The games help keep men and women well and were much missed, so members are delighted to get back in action.

Due to current restrictions only 10 individuals and a coach can meet per session, during which they practice football drills and have a socially distanced match under the watchful eye of Ton Trust community coach Jonny Roy.

Inverkip man Bill Stewart, who has been involved since the group launched, said: "It's great to be back and doing training sessions, albeit we are slightly limited to what we can do just now.

"We need to ensure all of the safety measures and protocols are being followed.

"As well as keeping our distance, we also wash down all the equipment between sessions and have hand sanitiser upon entry.

"Walking football really helps us all both physically and mentally and is more than just football, it's great to be back in company and seeing people after what feels like a very long time.

"It's great to be back and everyone has said how glad they are to be getting some exercise again."

Organiser Jonny, a health project worker for Morton in the Community, puts the participants through their paces and says he is excited to get things going again after not seeing the group for over a year.

The coach said: "It's really good to get back and see everyone.

"It's been such a long time, so I'm glad to see new and familiar faces.

"Currently everything is non-contact and socially distanced, but everyone is happy with that as we're all just glad to be back."

Jonny is happy to hear from anyone who'd like to get involved in the walking football sessions.

For more information email jroy@mortoncommunity.net or call 01475 731949.