82-YEAR-OLD Malcolm Gilham never expected to become a world champion when he took up squash 40 years ago.

But that’s what happened.

The grandfather-of-seven took top spot in the over-80’s section of the Squash Masters in Johannesburg, having won all five of his matches against opposition from around the world.

Mr Gilham, who began his working career in the Army, is not one to boast but admits to being very proud of his achievement, despite being a little sore after playing five matches in seven days.

The champion said: “When we got there, there were two South Africans, one New Zealander and three Englishmen, one of which was me.

“We looked at the schedule and we all did a double take - five matches in sevens days and me in my eighties - that thought wasn’t great.”

But the former council boss took it all in his stride, winning five from five and defeating a fellow Englishman in the final game.

The dad-of-four and a member Lexden Racket and Fitness Club, added: “The final match was very difficult - very tight - and we were both getting very tired but somehow I managed to win 3-2 and I was actually very happy to achieve that.”

But he wasn’t always destined to be a world champion.

After leaving the Army aged 42, he needed to find a “real job” and was employed by Brighton Council to run its sports programme.

One of those sports was squash.

Mr Gilham, who now lives in Assington, added: “I became entranced with it.

“The first time I played was against a women’s world champion and when we got in the court, I won the first game 9-6.

“In the next three games I didn’t get a point so I realised she was playing with me and that really made me think: ‘I have to take this sport up.’”

Mr Gilham’s work eventually took him to Chelmsford, where he was employed as Director of Leisure at Chelmsford Council, where he was instrumental in organising the first V Festival, in 1996 - having already attracted Take That to the then town.

He added: “I kept up my playing here in Essex but I still never thought anything about being a world champion.

“I don’t think I’ll be stopping anytime soon.”

Aged 82, Mr Gilham still plays competitively at least three times-a-week at the Chitts Hill club.

Bosses there plan to hold an event in his honour tomorrow and a picture of his winning shot, pictured, will be framed and hung in the club reception.