A NINETY year-old bowls player from Thornaby, who overcame a heart attack and cancer, has been named by a shopping centre as its first Old Persons’ Ambassador.

Nonagenarian Fred Pickering will represent the views of pensioners to executives at the town’s Pavilion Shopping Centre.

The former foundry worker plays bowls at Thornaby’s indoor bowling green is also a keen dancer with his wife, Marie.

The Middlesbrough FC fan, who has just celebrated his 66th wedding anniversary, said it was his active lifestyle, including driving his Corsa, that helped to maintain his positive outlook.

“I took up bowling when I retired from work when I was 65, and I enjoy it, including the social side," he said. "I’ve never won much, just some little club trophies.

“I’m in good health now, though I had a heart attack 13 years ago and bowel cancer in 2004.”

Fred and Marie, 88, who have lived in Mead Crescent, Thornaby for more than 50 years, have two daughters, three sons, seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Pavilion Shopping Centre manager, Oliver Westley said: “Fred is a great example of how to keep active and healthy - I hope I can still dance, drive and play sports when I’m 90."

“You can tell just from talking to Fred that he is very young in heart and mind. I think it is this positive attitude which helps him stay so fit.”