A FIVE-A-SIDE football veteran has hung up his boots after 44 years on the pitch.
John Adams, 66, from Darlington, was advised to stop playing after twisting his knee during a match.
His wife, Joan, also urged him to stop after he was told he might need a replacement knee if he continued playing.
On Saturday, Mr Adams played his last match as part of the Darlington and District Five-a-Side League.
The match, at Haughton School, coincided with the 60th birthday of his brother-in-law, Geoff Corner.
Mr Adams said: "It was a nice afternoon and we had fun because of Geoff's birthday.
"I didn't score any goals, I was more in the background but it was good fun. I could be tempted to go back on to the pitch next week for one more game but I don't think Joan would be very happy."
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