EXPERIENCED hockey ace Pete Crayford is living proof that age is no barrier to success.

The 67-year-old Wootton Bassett resident is a two-time world champion and is targeting a third triumph at the Grand Masters Hockey World Cup in Oxford this summer.

Sweeper Crayford will represent England in the great grand masters category in August which is for over 65s, and nine teams are set to take part.

Previously a part of the side that scooped world success in South Africa in 2008 and Hong Kong in 2004, the former Swindon and Marlborough player was delighted to have his selection confirmed recently.

“I just want this opportunity of a third gold and then I can die happy. To go for a hat-trick of World Cup medals is fairly special from my perspective,” he said.

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity and a great privilege to play at that level, and then to get to the pinnacle is just unbelievable.

“The last two World Cups have been in South Africa and Hong Kong, so one of the advantages of it being in Oxford is it will give my family the chance to watch me.

“They have never seen me win a World Cup and there’s no guarantee we will win it again, but we’re in with a chance.

“I suppose we’re favourites but whenever you play Australia at any sport it’s always a war, and then there’s Holland and Germany as well.”

The year 2012 marks seven years since Crayford was first selected to play veterans’ hockey for his country.

He spent 10 years at Marlborough and a couple of seasons at Swindon in his younger days, but now plays for the over 50s side at Eastcote in London.

And while it’s a long haul to training week on week, Crayford insists the trip is worth it.

He added: “It’s an hour-and-a-quarter journey from home but it’s only through doing that, that you get quality opposition, locally it just isn’t there. You need regular competitive games and the younger players certainly keep me on my toes.”