AN ARMY veteran who decided to join a walking football team for fun helped England secure their win against Wales last weekend.

Tanya Jacobs from Bracknell played for the England women's walking football team and they did 'really well'.

The women's walking football match took place in Merthyr Tydfil.

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It has been hailed as a great way to improve health and combat loneliness.

An estimated 40,000 people now taking part every week across the UK.

The 47-year-old joined Bracknell Town Walking football team in February and could not believe how she made it to playing at an "international level."

With competing in the England team, Tanya hoped to encourage more local women to join the Bracknell Town team so they can enter the Southern League.

Tanya said: "We had two new ladies joining the team which is amazing."

Bracknell Town Walking Football have a total of five ladies and need a few more to make up the numbers.

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The mum added: "love how accessible it it. All ages can join and take part in it. The oldest man is 90 in the men's team.

"Walking football has given a new lease of life, some men who lost their wives never left the house before and now they come and socialise."