A WIRRAL archery club's long-standing member has retired after 20 years of bringing "a sense of fun and entertainment to shooting sessions".

Billy Thomas started attending Wirral Archers as "a supportive grandad" taking nephew, Matty, at first and later on, another nephew, Sam, to club training sessions.

He very quickly became part of the club and was almost immediately recruited as Field Captain taking responsibility for safety.

Billy described how felt useful and at the age of 70, had a new lease of life, joining the club as an associate member.

Wirral Globe: Billy Thomas pictured with eldest nephew Matty during Wirral Archers eventBilly Thomas pictured with eldest nephew Matty during Wirral Archers event (Image: Karen Hamer)One thing led to another and Billy studied to become an archery Judge, qualifying at the age of 80, a record as the oldest person to qualify.

Billy then went on to travel the country judging at various competitions, sometimes with his grandsons and often without, enjoying socialising with everyone involved.

Wirral Achers even surprised Billy with a party after a Sunday shoot to celebrate his 80th birthday, showing how valued and what an integral part of Wirral Archers he had become.

Billy continued in his role as Wirral Archers' Field Captain until aged 89, he felt it was time to step down.

Wirral Globe: Billy Thomas started attending Wirral Archers as 'a supportive grandad' and has now stepped down after 20 years Billy Thomas started attending Wirral Archers as 'a supportive grandad' and has now stepped down after 20 years (Image: Karen Hamer / Wirral Archers)

A spokesperson for Wirral Archers told the Globe: "We marked this occasion by inviting him to be our 'Guest of Honour' at our presentation evening at Wallasey Rugby Club, where we were able to thank him formally and make a fuss of him.

"Billy's family informed us that the club made him feel welcome and gave him a sense of belonging, which he was grateful for.

"We are grateful to Billy for all he has done for the club and archery over the past 20 years.

"His son and daughter in law always appreciated Billy’s involvement with his two grandsons at archery, as did the club.

"We are proud to have Pete as a life member."

Billy was also a civilian driver for the Territorial Army for 25 years and retired in 1999. 

Malcolm Hamer – who is the brother of Billy's daughter in law, uncle to the nephews and also an archer - told the Globe: "Throughout his time as Field Captain, Billy has always been helpful towards our beginners, explaining the rules, with patience, and also bringing a sense of fun and entertainment to shooting sessions when he was in attendance".