GETTING older is a phase of life many people dread and fear they are too 'over-the-hill' to find work.

But 66-year-old Brenda Waite, of Tamworth Avenue, Whitefield, is being used by employment agency Connections as proof people over 40 can still find work.

Tricia Bullman, recruitment consultant at the Manchester-based Connections 50, which specialises in finding employment for older people, said: "By 2010, 40 per cent of workers will be older than 45. The good news is that there are many companies crying out for older people's expertise and maturity."

Brenda added: "I've never experienced any age-related discrimination. At my stage of life, I'm much happier doing temporary work. I take jobs as it suits me and I'm rarely out of a job.

"I've every intention of carrying on for as long as I'm able to."