Yet another comeback

Due to changes in work, the odd injury, moving house a few times etc etc I have had a few lay offs from running and now find myself on comeback number five or six. This one was a long lay off, almost six years out punctuated by the odd run here and there. I rejoined a club back in May and after a difficult few weeks am gradually getting there but my question is this:

Apart from the obvious 'build up gradually' approach, what are the best tips for getting back to something like your best after a long lay off; and who out there has had the longest lay off and returned to running?