AN AVID cyclist is proving there is no age limit on an active lifestyle after turning 80.

Marjorie Taylor, from Lowton, was thrown a surprise party to celebrate her 80th birthday on September 18 with the friends she had made since shunning knitting and dusting for cycling and dancing.

The volunteer leaders for Wigan’s Active Living team, with whom Marjorie has been cycling for six years, decided to throw her a party along with her friends from Pennington Tea Rooms who supplied the cake.

“I hadn’t been on a bike for 40 years when I joined the group and then it was just to the shops and back,” said Marjorie, from Lowton.

“I love it. I like being out in the fresh air and I have met lots of great people. The party was a complete surprise but it was lovely. I came round the corner and there were balloons in the trees and I had a lovely afternoon tea.”

Marjorie and her husband David attend the free bike rides three times a week on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

She line dances twice a week and on Saturday nights she goes ballroom dancing with David at East Leigh Labour Club.

The former secretary at the American air force base in Burtonwood said: “We have the best time. I don’t do nearly as much dusting and polishing as I used to. I’ve lost 2st 6lb since I started. It beats sitting at home knitting and watching the television.”

The free cycle rides at Pennington Hall Park are from 6pm until 7pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, 10am on Thursday mornings for beginners and 10.30am for the main ride.

To find out more and to book a place call Active Living on 01942 488481 and bikes and helmets can be hired free of charge.