Before the new season of the Somerset Football Association's Walking Football League gets underway, one player from Chard is keen to get back on the pitch after major surgery.

Clive, a 72-year-old retired brewery executive, has been playing walking football for seven years for the Axminster-based team.

Last year, however, severe hip pain threatened to take him out of the game.

He was relieved to find he could have NHS surgery at a local private hospital much sooner than elsewhere, and has now recovered enough to test his new hip this season.

Clive said: "My new hip has given me the confidence to get back to my teammates.

"I was in a lot of pain last year and limping about a lot.

"I couldn’t really play very well as I was in a lot of pain."

Having already had one hip replaced, Clive suspected he needed the other replacing as the pain became unbearable.

He explained: "I had my first hip replacement as a private patient at Practice Plus Shepton Mallet and this time, I decided to look at the waiting times for hospitals in my local area as I knew I had a right to choose where I had my NHS surgery.

"NHS hospitals nearby had between a 14 month and 18-month wait, where Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet, had only a four-month wait.

"Even though it’s a private hospital they still see NHS patients so I asked my GP for a referral there.

"Everything went really smoothly and I have been recovering well."

Clive (left) and his wife (right) (Image: Practice Plus Group) Clive is eager to return to the Axminster Walking Football League (AWFUL) and to continue enjoying weekly training sessions with his teammates.

He said: "Despite two hip operations now, I am excited to begin training again with the team and glad that I can still get involved.

"A hip replacement shouldn’t stop you from trying walking football."

Walking football is a non-contact sport which is less impactful than regular football and is played by people over 50.

Clive said: "Most of the players are in their 50s, 60s and 70s (like me) and it’s a good way of keeping fit and active whilst protecting your health and joints."

Since his surgery, Clive has been practising kicking a ball in his garden.

He is also considering becoming a referee this season to further minimise risk to his new hip.

The hospital where Clive had his surgery, Practice Plus Group Hospital in Shepton Mallet, is sponsoring the Somerset FA Walking Football League this season.

Catherine Farr, hospital director, said: "We are delighted to play our part in the sponsorship of the Somerset FA Walking Football League this year.

"Several of our patients have told us they are now able to enjoy football again after surgery such as hip or knee replacements, like Clive.

"Not only does walking football help people to stay fit and active, but we find team sports also promote positive wellbeing and boost mental and physical health."