A SULLY pensioner who believes he may be the oldest Nordic walker in Wales is proving that it's never too late to take up a new hobby.

Arthur Coxon has been taking part in the activity for six months now - aged 89.

And, he loves it so much that he recently celebrated his birthday with a Nordic-style walk on Barry Island.

Nordic walking was developed in Finland as a summer training regime for cross-country skiers. It involves using ski poles in a way that harnesses the power of the upper body to propel the walker, working the arms and taking the strain off the knees and legs.

Mr Coxon enjoys it so much that he has bought his own poles and uses them everywhere he goes.

" You’ve got to keep exercising, too many people just sit and watch TV at my age," he said.

"Nordic walking is great. Firstly, it gets you out walking and the poles steady you up. I use them all the time now, I find them incredibly useful."

Mr Coxon is often accompanied on his jaunts by Age Cymru Age Cymru Nordic walking instructor Geoff Hollett, and his friend David Owen, who is 85-years-old himself.

The trio have been going out Nordic walking once a week for the last six months, visiting Porthkerry regularly among other spots.

Mr Hollett said: “We tailor our courses to suit individuals as much as we can, Arthur and David have a shorter session than the normal ones we run - its about making sure we offer the opportunity to as many people as we can.

"There is an 81-year-old lady who walks with the main group and is as spritely as many people half her age. So, it doesn’t matter how old you are, you can join in with Nordic Walking."

Mr Coxon said he hadn't really considered the fact he may be the oldest Nordic walker in Wales.

"It never really occurred to me," he said. "I might be.

"I would encourage anyone to give it a go though. Especially older people who may be getting a bit stiff or starting to find walking difficult. It would help them to walk along rather than shuffling along."

Age Cymru is running a free Nordic walking taster course on Sunday May 15, at Porthkerry Park from 10am to 11am.

To register your interest contact Mr Hollett at geoffhollett@hotmail.com or 01446 730613.

Alternatively, contact Age Cymru on 02920 431555 or enquiries@agecymru.org.uk