A 94-YEAR-OLD man has been crowned player of the year in an Abersychan skittles league tournament, writes Lisa Taylor.

Eric Parfitt, a resident at Ty Bryn nursing home in Abersychan for the last four years, won the honour with a top score of 91 in the recent competition.

Nursing home manager Helen Courtney said: “If you saw his face when he made the winning strike that makes it all worthwhile.”

The league is made up of 10 players from the home, with ages ranging from 81 to 95. The players are split into two teams.

The home celebrated another successful year of matches with four games played before the presentation of the trophy and medals by the Mayor of Torfaen, Mandy Owen.

Ty Bryn beat the mayors team in an exciting game with the final score being 91-87 to Ty Bryn.

The longest serving player is captain of the A team Lillian Ashman, 94, who has been at the home for the last six years.

Player of the year, Mr Parfitt, is the second longest serving player. The captain of the B team is 85 year old resident Josie Richards.

Ms Courtney said: “You see how much they enjoy the game and these matches definitely bring out their competitive nature.

“All the residents teach themselves how to play skittles properly.”