Retired British matador returns

Frank Evans quit in 2005 but has been lured back

A British matador who has come out of retirement has taken part in a bullfight in Spain.

Frank Evans, 65, from Salford, Greater Manchester, intends to resume his 40-year bullfighting career after three years away due to health problems.

Speaking after the bout, he said being in a bullfighting ring "felt fantastic" and added: "It is where I am happiest".

Mr Evans took part in a charity bullfight at Villanueva de Concepcion, near Malaga.

'Missed it'

The pensioner had a quadruple heart bypass six months ago and a knee replacement two years earlier. He said he decided to resume the sport because he missed it after his retirement in 2005.

It is thought he is the only Briton to achieve the status of matador, the profession's top rank.

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Matador Frank Evans on his retirement

After completing his first bout in three years, judges awarded him the animal's severed ears in recognition of a kill "well done".

He said: "For me it confirms to all these doubters that I am fit enough to do this," before adding that critics should "leave me alone now and let me get on with it".

Mr Evans also has ambitions to fight in the three countries he has never worked in before - Colombia, Peru and Ecuador.