Former Richmond & Twickenham Times sports editor Tony Flood is proving age is no barrier when it comes to goal scoring.

The diabetic 71-year-old, believed to be the oldest current regular football player in the country, passed the 700 goal mark before Christmas.

And the goal-poaching centre-forward, who lived in Twickenham until he retired and moved to Eastbourne in 2008, is not stopping there in setting the example to his fellow pensioners.

“There is no bigger thrill in sport than putting the ball in the net,” he said.

“My goals have come in lower amateur leagues and in friendlies, but they have inspired me to keep going. I am grateful to my younger team-mates for laying them on for me.

“I think those players who quit at half my age are making a mistake. Sport keeps you fit in body and mind.”

Flood helped Sovereign Harbour Veterans beat Southern Railway 6-2 recently at Sussex Downs College, Eastbourne, and continues to play most Sundays, which is believed to make him the oldest current regular player in Britain.

It is understood that in January 2012 Derek May of Bromley, South London, was the oldest at 73 with Meridien FC.

The title of Britain’s oldest football player had previously been claimed by midfielder Dickie Borthwick, 76, of Wyke Rangers Veterans in Weymouth, Dorset.

Former Fleet Street journalist and Sky Television executive Flood names playing a charity football match with George Best at Welling United as a career highlight.

And long suffering wife Heather would not be surprised if there were a few more in store.

“Tony is overweight and unfit and suffers from type 2 diabetes but has the determination and pluck to keep playing football,” she added.

Flood recently published his first book – an amusing collection of anecdotes about Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, George Best, Muhammad Ali and a host of other stars – called My Life With the Stars.