A TESTIMONIAL game will be played to celebrate the long career of an Eden Valley footballer who has just hung up his boots - at the age of 61.

Dennis Hale's service to Shap FC has spanned more than four decades after he made his debut for the Westmorland League side in 1974.

He went on to play for Kendal-based Netherfield in the Northern Premier League and he also represented the Westmorland FA county side.

"I came back to play for Shap in the mid-1980s when Steve Simpson became manager and he built a strong nucleus of players," Dennis recalled. "In 1985 Shap won all three Westmorland cups - Senior, High Sheriff's and Benevolent Trophy - and I particularly enjoyed the High Sheriff's final against Keswick when I managed to score the winning goal."

Dennis initially retired in 1990 but after several years away from football made a comeback. He has played on and off ever since for Shap, and turned out for an hour of the club's final home game of last season against Braithwaite.

Dennis, who lives at Keld, near Shap, said: "For the last two seasons I have been helping to run the club as it almost folded after the 2012-13 season and I have now decided to hang up my boots. The older I've got the more passionate about it I have been."

He added: "I've never seen my age as a big deal; indeed John Airey is still turning out for Penrith-based Wetheriggs United Reserves at the age of 62.

"If I look back on it I can honestly say that I have played with some really good players but, mainly, made some cracking friends and had a lot of enjoyment from it all."

John Airey is one of those expected to play in the testimonial match on Sunday at Shap's Memorial Park ground (2pm kick-off). Members of the current squad will take on a group of former players.

Former Shap boss Les Steadman, who will manage the past players' XI with Steve Simpson, said: "Dennis is very dedicated, whether playing, coaching or managing. He is a proper club man and we could do with more players like that nowadays."