Joan squares up to take 'Hitman' name

She may not look much like Ricky Hatton or share the same attributes as the former World Champion boxer, but Shrewsbury pensioner Joan Hatton is a match for anyone on the Nintendo Wii.

The 78-year-old widow, who lives at Severnside Housing's Moston Green sheltered housing scheme in Sundorne, is one of a group of about 10 elderly residents who enjoy laying into one another on the computer's boxing game.

Taking it in turns with the hand-held controls, the pensioners go head-to-head against each other in the various sports games, with golf and bowling also among the favourites.

Competition is tough and the residents even have nick-names for one another.

Unsurprisingly Joan has ended up with the tag of "Hitman" taken from the Manchester boxer who shares her surname.

She also appears to have inherited some of his explosive power with four knock-outs to her name.

"We have sports evenings every few months and we play different things like golf and bowling which I like. I have the same surname as Ricky Hatton so it's quite funny but it's not really something I have thought about much to be honest."

Her friends and rivals Dorothy "Battling Bertha" Rowe, 84, and Mary "The Mauler" Dickinson also enjoy throwing a few punches with the Wii controls.

Dorothy said: "There's about eight or 10 of us who play on it and we all take it in turns to play.

"I enjoy it very much and it's a good way to keep fit too."

The residents hold regular Wednesday evening Wii sessions, aimed at bringing everyone together for fun and games and some exercise.

They recently invited their families along for boxing and golf, as well as local community support officers.

Trevor Thorold, scheme manager at Moston Green, said: "The evening is a regular feature and is enjoyed by everyone at Moston Green. As well as being fun, it keeps residents fit and active, especially the boxing.

"We are keen to break down the stereotype of sheltered housing, and show that we offer a strong community spirit, with lots of activities on offer for people of all ages."