MARY Cullen is living proof that sport is for all.

She might be approaching her 83rd birthday, but every Thursday Mary still catchs two buses across the city and makes the uphill walk to play tennis at David Lloyd Leisure, Southampton.

The trip takes more than an hour, but when the self-confessed John McEnroe fan arrives on a tennis court she is most definitely very serious.

Mary is a regular winner against players up to 30 years her junior at the over-50 sessions thanks to what she describes as "my walloping forehand".

She has been playing socially for a period spanning 66 years and plans to keep setting the standard for several years to come.

"I still very much enjoy it, so I'm not going to stop," Mary says.

"Occasionally I don't feel like playing but I always find that after a match I have more energy - tennis is very invigorating.

It is also a sociable and friendly game. The people who play are very friendly, not snobby at all, and I can still play some good tennis at times."

Mary, who was born and brought up in Liverpool, has been playing tennis since the age of 16.

She joined the RAF and worked in Singapore and Hong Kong before settling in New Milton and then Southampton in 1959, where she worked as an accountant.

Mary played at the Banister Club in Northlands Road - now housing - and has been a long-time member of the South Hants Lawn Tennis Club, also in Northlands Road.

"I still try and play twice a week. I love the grass courts at South Hants and the indoor courts at David Lloyd are absolutely lovely too," she says.

"I also still enjoy cycling short distances to keep fit and healthy."

David Lloyd tennis development officer Alison Beard describes Mary as an "inspiration" to other older tennis players.

"I hope I can live to 82 and be like her," Alison says.

"Mary is extremely keen and is still a very good player.

"I think she is absolutely terrific."