COLIN Hanbury is the perfect example of how not to let age be a barrier to doing something you love.

He might have turned 80 this month but that did not stop Colin from celebrating by donning his whites and wicketkeeper’s gloves once more.

Cricket has played a big part in the octogenarian’s life since he first played the summer sport as a child growing up in Port Talbot.

Abergavenny resident Colin has been a member of the Wanderers cricket team since he and close friend Eric Ellaway formed the side in 1985.

Playing 20-over friendlies on Thursday evenings, the Wanderers usually host matches at Abergavenny Cricket Club’s Avenue Road ground.

It was there, the day after Colin entered his ninth decade, that he took up his position behind the stumps for a game against Llanvapley.

And Colin, who played for Abergavenny first XI and Glamorgan seconds back in the day, does not limit himself to just cricket as a way of keeping fit.

“I still go jogging, which I quite enjoy, and I’m a big gardener as well,” he said. “I’ve been very blessed with good health over the years.

“I started playing cricket when I was in school and just kept going really. I played for Abergavenny and Penarth, and I had a couple of games for Glamorgan’s second XI.

“It was in the 1980s that we set up the midweek side and it has been going ever since.

“Cricket is an enjoyable game and a social one too, and I’ve loved playing it over the years, but I will be finishing this year.”

The Wanderers are scheduled to play Abergavenny Rotary Club at Avenue Road tonight and will have fixtures running through until the end of July when Colin takes to the field for the last time.