They think it’s all over... well, it perhaps isn’t quite, thanks to a Havering care charity.

Tapestry, formerly Age Concern Havering, this month begins its sessions of “walking football”, an activity aimed at men who can no longer keep pace with the traditional game.

It’s exactly what it sounds like. There’s no running, no slide tackling and players must keep at least one foot on the ground at all times.

But organisers insist it’s still great fun. Pensioner Hugh Debbins scored four goals in one of the charity’s taster sessions.

“As a 75-year-old, it is now sometime since I played a full 90-minute game of regular football,” he said.

“But, as a life-long football fan and supporter of West Ham United, it has been exhilarating to get back on the football field for a full 40 minutes. Walking football obviously also has health and fitness benefits, but essentially it was really enjoyable. I hope there will be a local league and it will become hugely popular among us football enthusiasts who find it easier to walk than run these days!”

Sessions costing £3 will take place from mid-January at the Romford YMCA, Rush Green Road, and Sanders School, Suttons Lane. Contact Tapestry on 01708 796611 or email fun@tapestry-uk.org to book.