A KIDDERMINSTER retiree competed against military reservists from across the UK and Europe in an international competition designed to test the army reserve.

Thomas Ferguson, 56, contested the Altcar Challenge with reserves from the UK RAF, Army, Navy, and NATO allies in challenges to assess their mental and physical fitness and military skills.

The RAF Reservist, who is a recently-retired Prison Officer and also served 12 years in the Royal Marines, took part in the 32nd annual event in Liverpool over the May Bank holiday weekend.

He said: "What a way to grow old gracefully, participating in all these physical and mental challenges.

"I get a real buzz being able to hold my own against lads and lasses less than half my age.

"Many people my age would be thinking about taking it easy but I don’t believe retirement means giving up.

"It’s a new chapter of your life, and the RAF Reserves have given me a great opportunity to keep learning, and keep living life to the full."

Mr Ferguson joined the RAF Reserves in 2014 and serves with Number 4624 (County of Oxford) Movements Squadron at RAF Brize Norton.

Formed in 1982 following the Falklands conflict, it is the largest squadron in the RAF Reserves, specialising in the movement of freight and personnel from RAF airfields to the rest of the world.