WEYMOUTH soccer legend Dickie Borthwick saw his name in flags rather than lights as he rubbed shoulders with football heroes at the opening of a landmark museum.

The plucky pensioner, 76, thought to be the oldest regular player in the country, was special guest at the opening of the National Football Museum in Manchester attended by British soccer greats.

They included Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Geoff Hurst who played in the 1966 England World Cup winning side.

A giant image of Mr Borthwick in action can be seen on a flag-type poster that lines the approach to the venue and will be there for many months.

Under the word ‘Skill’, his picture is in prime position on the approach to the new museum.

The museum occupies the former Ubis building, which was transformed in a £8m project over two years. It houses a range of soccer-related items including a World Cup shirt and ball from 1966.

Mr Borthwick, who was born in the same year as other 1966 World Cup winners Jack Charlton and Ray Wilson, is dubbed the oldest winger in town. He has clocked up more than 60 years playing football after starting his career in Scotland before moving south to Weymouth at the age of 16.

He still occasionally laces his boots up for Wyke Rangers.

Mr Borthwick said: “I was blown away when I was asked to attend. I thought there would be some soccer greats there but never thought I would meet so many. I think Sir Bobby is such a legend and he signed my Manchester Utd book, as did Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff Hurst.

He added: “When the giant banner of me playing football was pointed out to me, I was speechless.

“People in the queue were nudging each other and complimenting me on being part of the museum launch. I did feel like a bit of a celebrity.

Mr Borthwick also praised photographer Geoff Moore, a former Dorset Echo photographer, who has taken a series of images of Mr Borthwick playing football, one of which was selected by the museum to be used in their launch material.