BIG GRANDADDY; Dave Kidney is still king of the wrestling ring - at the age of 78.

Byline: Brian McIver

IT'S 50 years since he won the British featherweight title but wrestler Dave Kidney is still competing - at the age of 78.

The great grandad spends every summer in town halls and community centres in north-east Scotland, grappling with opponents a quarter of his age.

Not even a heart condition slowed him down - and now Dave's incredible story will be told in a BBC documentary.

Yesterday, Dave, from Dundee, said: "I still wrestle because it keeps me fit and healthy and because I love it.

"My daughters have been saying for years that I should stop but what else would I do? Sit and watch the telly all day?

" I started training when I was nine years old because it was something to do. Since then, I've been doing it every week."

Dave's first bout came when he was 18 and he was quickly hooked. An aspiring amateur, he became a regular on the bill at wrestling events in the 40s and 50s.

His finest hour was in 1959 when he claimed the featherweight belt in front of a full house at Dundee's Caird Hall.

The retired shopkeeper admitted: "I couldn't have imagined back then that I'd still be wrestling."

Dreams

Three years ago, he founded King Wrestling Promotions with his friend Duncan Kettles. He now trains local talent, including young wrestler Inferno, who dreams of making it to America's WWE.

Dave said: "People ask if I ever think I might die in the ring. I certainly hope not - but if I did, it'd be a good way for me to go."

DAVE Kidney Superstar is on BBC 1 Scotland next Tuesday at 10.35pm. Dave's next event is on Saturday night in Inverbervie, Kincardineshire.

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PROUD: Dave and his trophy GRAPPLE: Dave in his heyday with his title belt