TWO men who have been played squash twice a week for more then 35 years have been rewarded for their loyalty with free sessions.

Brian Higgin, of Padiham, and Mick Foster from Burnley, started playing at the Thompson Centre Burnley when it first opened in 1974.

And when the centre closed, they moved their game to St Peter’s Leisure Centre.

To mark their achievement, Burnley Council has said the men can play for free every Wednesday for the next year.

When Brian started playing squash he was a first-team opening bat and wicket-keeper with Lowerhouse Cricket Club, and thought squash would help his hand and eye co-ordination as well as helping him move a little quicker between the stumps.

He said: “I remember playing my first game of squash the weekend the Thompson Centre opened in 1974.

“You had to be on the phone at nine o’clock to get a court for the following week because it became so popular.”

Mick, who loves the great outdoors, has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, the Matterhorn, the Eiger and Mount Whitney.

Darren Wright, Burnley Council’s sports development officer, said: “Brian and Mick are fantastic advocates for the sport, especially when the area has lost several courts and clubs over the past few years.”

Coaching sessions have been arranged at the St Peter’s Leisure Centre every Sunday from 2pm to 3.30pm at a cost of £1 per week.