A WOLLASTON grandfather has been keeping order on the football pitch for nearly 50 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Stourbridge born and bred Roy Price turned 80 on March 24 but he's got no plans to quit the pitch anytime soon.

The grandfather-of-two has been a referee since 1970 and still referees for the under 10s matches in the Kidderminster and Stourport league and is thought to be one of the oldest active referees in the area.

His daughter Karen Price said: "It’s quite an achievement. He’s pretty fit for his age, he goes to the gym; he hasn’t got any plans to stop."

Karen said she remembers going with her dad to buy his first kit when she was just six - although sadly his passion for the sport not rubbed off on family members.

Mr Price, who has just celebrated his 57th wedding anniversary to wife Pat, was awarded a long service award for 40 years as a referee back in 2011 at The Hawthorns - home of West Bromwich Albion - and he plans to continue refereeing for "as long as the old legs will take me" - he said.

And he added: "I just love football. I can't play like I did anymore but I can referee. It's better than standing on the terrace watching it."

Mr Price, who has been involved with football since his national service days with the Royal Army Pay Corps, used to play in goal and sometimes as centre forward for Castle United in the Kidderminster league until 1970 after which he took up refereeing.

Two years ago the retired insurance agent suffered a heart attack but he hasn't let that slow him down.

He still referees every Saturday, goes to the gym and also enjoys playing indoor bowls.