Dorchester footballer aged 80 playing for England

Rex Buttle of Dorchester was told he would never play the beautiful game again after he suffered a horror injury in 1959.

But Rex is proof that some things are worth waiting for - he's just earned his first England cap representing the Three Lions in a 1-1 draw against Wales as a member of the England Over 75s Walking Football team.

"I couldn't have been prouder to play for England," he said.

"I refused to give up with my football. Ever since I heard I was selected for the England team I've been feeling a foot taller.

"My chest is out and all a sudden my tummy has gone!

"I had to get to 80 before I got this recognition but it's been worth waiting for."

Rex Buttle, front centre, playing for England at the age of 80

Sherborne-born Rex was playing for Yeovil FC in 1959 when he twisted his vertebrae in a match and was admitted to Portland hospital for a long recovery.

"I was told I would never play football again," he said.

But determined Rex never lost his passion for the sport and threw himself into volunteering at various Dorset clubs, becoming physio and kit man at Weymouth FC.

He still coaches disabled youngsters in Dorchester and children with learning difficulties at Westfield Arts Collegel in Weymouth.

And that's not all - he even manages two Dorchester walking football teams, the over 50s and the over 60s.

Rex was playing at Weston-super-Mare in the south and south west regional walking football league when he was asked to represent England in the Over 75s Walking Football team.

Rex Buttle at home in Dorchester wearing his England kit

"There's three of us in a squad of 15 who are over 80, so I'm more at the top of the age range of the team.

"I'm hoping they'll set up an over 80s side because I just want to keep playing."

Despite having a hip replacement a few years ago, Arsenal supporter Rex was back playing his beloved walking football just 10 weeks later.

Missing organised matches during lockdown, he would jog from Dorchester to Bradford Peverell to keep himself fit and regularly tends to his beloved allotment in Stratton.

"I've never drunk and I've never smoked," Rex said.

"I take each day as it comes and although I have down days I like keeping myself busy.

"A lot of people think walking football is just a lot of elderly people shuffling about but the Dorset team is held in high regard.

"I'd encourage anyone to do it because the enjoyment of it will come, at first it's just about meeting up with people and having a laugh."

Rex Buttle celebrates 80th birthday at Kix Start, picture: Justine Wheeler

Playing football for England is like fulfilling a dream that was taken away from him, Rex said.

"I had my dream taken away from me with that injury and all I've wanted to do since then was to put back into the game so that other people could enjoy what I couldn't.

"I've now had my dream fulfilled in a very different way playing for England at 80 and I'd like to think that 80 is the new 50!"