Former PE teacher, 74, seeded second at Wimbledon

Neil McPherson, 74, has been playing the sport for 62 years

A 74-year-old man is preparing to set foot on the courts at Wimbledon after being seeded second in his class.

Neil McPherson is taking part in the British Closed Masters Grass Court Championship, over 75s category, 62 years after he first picked up a racket.

The Blyth Bridge resident said he fairs well with the physical strain of the sport due to his 34-year-tenure as head of physical education at the former Longton High School.

The 2024 Championships will take place at the All England Lawn Tennis Club from 18 to 25 August.

Mr McPherson told BBC Radio Stoke his tennis career has "taken a lot of hard work to be quite honest."

He said: "Its been a long journey. I first started playing on the street with my sister and it all developed - which as a result of has taken me all around Europe."

He first played at Wimbledon at the age of 45 on court 13.

"The age group does go up to over 90's so hopefully I've got plenty more years left.

"This is the start of a new career in senior's tennis."