At 75 years old and without a right hip most people might be thinking of taking things easy.

But pensioner Duncan Mallinson is still fighting fit - even after enduring ten operations in the last eight years.

In spite of being unable to walk without crutches the retired fabrication engineer is still a familiar face at Bingley Pool where he works out in the gym and pool twice a week.

Mr Mallinson suffers from arthritis and was bent double with agony before an operation removed his hip and allowed him to return to a physically active life.

"I have always swum if I could and in my youth I used to play water polo," said Mr Mallinson. "Before I was married I did quite a lot of walking so we have kept that up all our lives.

My wife and I used to walk all over the Dales and that's the one thing I do miss.

"I miss walking with my seven-year-old grandson Samuel because he loves walking."

But Mr Mallinson, who served for two years as a stores assistant with the Royal Navy, has never been one for lolling in front of the television.

When his GP referred him to Bradford Council's Sport and Leisure Service's Re-Shapes gym at Bingley Pool to use its BEEP (Bradford Encouraging Exercise on Prescription) scheme, he grabbed the chance to get back into shape.

The scheme helps patients back into exercise after being discharged from hospital.

Mr Mallinson is supported by fitness instructor Rita Wilson who guides him through a fitness programme designed to rebuild the strength in his legs and upper body.

"I had to give up exercise last year because of my blood pressure and I could feel myself deteriorating," said Mr Mallinson.

"I struggled to get up when I first started a few weeks ago but I am now getting to the stage where I can get up without help.

I just made up my mind that I was determined to do it."

The pensioner lost about four inches off his height on his right side after his hip was removed and has to wear a specially-adapted shoe to walk - but it doesn't stop him in the gym or pool.

Bradford Council's head of sport and leisure service Steve Warner said: "Duncan's determination and commitment to keeping fit and active sums up perfectly what our b active campaign is all about - people of all ages and abilities can do it.

"It's great to see how much he has benefited from taking part in regular physical activity which is so important to our general health and well-being, particularly as we grow older. Duncan is truly an inspiration to us all."

Mr Mallinson, of Bingley, has been told he will need the support of crutches for the rest of his life and uses an electric wheelchair, but this hasn't stopped him from continuing to lead an active life - earlier this summer he drove more than 3,000 miles through Spain and on to Portugal.

Mrs Wilson said: "Duncan is brilliant. If you are determined to do something you can do it - and Duncan is determined."