An 82-year-old Stansted aviator who is still flying, has been chosen to take part in a national project designed to challenge the view that the over-60s are past it

Gordon Barrett, who lives with his wife Eileen in Stansted Mountfitchet, has been maintaining and flying aircraft for over 60 years and has no intention of giving up his hobby ''as long as I stay fit".

Mr Barrett was chosen from entrants all over the UK to be part of Active and Ageless, a photographic exhibition celebrating the over-60s, commissioned by the Oddfellows, a friendly society which focuses on charity work, care and support, and social activities.

The exhibition is being staged in Manchester from June 27 until July 10

Mr Barrett has lived in Stansted for 53 years, and his son, Jeremy, who also lives in the village, has a private pilot's licence as well.

He retired in 1986, having worked as an aviation engineer for Sir Freddie Laker's Aviation Traders at Stansted and Southend, and now flies motor gliders, 3-axis microlights and Piper Warriors from a flying club at Enstone, Oxfordshire.

Published Thursday, June 19, 2003

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