HE may have just celebrated his 80th birthday but that won’t stop squash coach John Newton from continuing to do what he loves.

John, from Eccleston, volunteers tirelessly at Capitol Squash, on Duke Street, where he passes on his knowledge and skills.

Located near the Landings Roundabout, the club has been offering sporting facilities for the St Helens community for decades.

A long-time squash player himself, John played for Pilkingtons and moved to the Capitol during the 1970s.

John was 45 when he gave up playing for the first team at Capitol Squash and has since volunteered each Saturday morning for 30 years at the club coaching children.

Among the many players he had under his wing are Connor Sheen and Patrick Rooney, who are now both ranked England players.

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Dad-of-one John turned 80 on Tuesday, April 2 but has no plans on giving up any time yet, with his active lifestyle and “zest for life” in abundance, with many unable to believe John’s age from his younger-looking appearance.

John’s wife of 42 years Sue said: “He now coaches the children on a Saturday morning who are now the children of those he used to coach 30 years ago.

“Thirty years he has volunteered on a Saturday morning at the club. He only missed out on three years when he was living in Cyprus.

“He still loves every second and loves being involved and to see the players improve and go on to be outstanding players in their own right.”

Another of John’s passions is tending to his gardens, which he was even doing after having gone out to the Enchanted Tea Drops café for his birthday.

 “He has got such a motivation for life, everything around him motivates him,” added John’s daughter Jill.

“There is nothing that will slow him down.”