SHELDON James has been making sure customers are served in Newport department store Wildings for the past 50 years - along with serving up a few aces.

Keen tennis player Mr James insists he is far from calling game, set, and match on his favourite sport as he celebrates his 80th birthday and 63rd year as a member of Alltyryn Lawn Tennis Club.

Mr James, from Glasllwch, first started playing tennis at the age of 17 at what was then known as the Newport High School Old Boys' Lawn Tennis Club.

Mr James, who turned 80 on Monday, said he fell in love with the game straight away.

"There was always so much laugher on the court," he said. "If someone played a funny shot we would all have fun and there was so much happiness. So I kept playing."

Sixty-three years on and Mr James is now the oldest member of what has become Alltyryn Lawn Tennis Club.

He has competed in numerous club competitions across South Wales, as well as taking part in countless in-house tournaments at his Newport club, to win titles in singles, doubles and mixed competitions.

Mr James, who has been secretary and director of Newport department store Wildings for the last 50 years, has seen his tennis club transformed from seven grass and shale courts to a club with eight floodlit courts, including two hard surface all-weather courts., a children's area and a tennis wall.

The grandfather-of-six stopped playing competitively 10 years ago but still plays for fun every Tuesday and Sunday, facing opponents from the age of 24 to 74.

"It's part of my life," said Mr James, who also plays golf three times a week. "I've played here with my children and grandchildren, and I've made so many friends. I still enjoy playing it after all these years and it's important to keep active so I've no intention of giving up any time soon."

To join Alltyryn Tennis Club visit www.alltyryntennis.org.uk or telephone 01633 266179.