When Saints beat Hearts in the Scottish Communities League Cup final on Sunday, they were boosted by a section of fans all born before 1953.

It follows an eight-week programme held at St Mirren Park to provide the over-60s with a range of activities, including yoga classes, music, local history lessons and therapeutic massage.

Still Game is the latest initiative by St Mirren to involve local people, whether they are football fans or not.

Alex Storrie, 70, had never set foot in the club's old Love Street ground or its current stadium before signing up for and then not missing a week of the Still Game programme.

Now he plans to get himself a season ticket to cheer Saints on in the league next season.

He said: "Until I retired five years ago I had always kept myself fit and was a keen runner. Not having somewhere to be each day for work meant I lost a bit of motivation and I found myself watching a lot of rubbish on daytime television.

"Then I saw an advert for Still Game and thought I would give it a go.

"Although I have never been a big football fan, I had heard good things about St Mirren from my brother, who is a season ticket holder.

"He takes his disabled son to every home game and says the facilities and welcome at the new stadium are the best they have experienced in Scotland.

"The Still Game classes on a Friday are the highlight of my week. As soon as one finishes I am looking forward to the next.

"My favourite so far has been the local history class, which taught me, a local for almost all my life, things about Paisley I never knew."

St Mirren manager Danny Lennon said: "We have been impressed by how popular Still Game has proven and the enthusiasm of those coming along is great to see.

"I have even said to some of the players that if they are as fit as these guys in 40 years they will be doing well.

"It is also good to know the club is giving something back to the community that supports us."

ewan.fergus@eveningtimes.co.uk