On top of the world, even at 86

For some, the prospect of climbing the 400ft landmark would be daunting, but for Mr O'May, of Devon Drive, Ainsworth, international adventure is par for the course: even though he is 86-years-old!

"When my wife, Doris, died seven years ago, I decided not to spend the rest of my life just sitting at home in my slippers," explained Mr O'May. And he has certainly lived up to his vow, with a passport that could rival globe-trotting Michael Palin's.

In the past few years he has visited Poland, Russia, Brazil, ridden an elephant in India, a camel in Egypt, climbed the Great Wall of China, swam in the Dead Sea and walked across the desert in Jordan.

Visiting Australia and climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge allowed him to realise a childhood ambition. He remembers writing an essay about it at school in his home town of Paisley, Scotland.

He allowed himself one day to acclimatise before embarking on the three-hour climb up the superstructure of the bridge, advertised as being suitable only for fit people.

He said: "We had to wear grey suits to blend in with the bridge so we didn't distract drivers.

"I was the oldest in my group and the instructor said I was the oldest person he had taken. I wasn't nervous at all.

"The worst part was the heat: all I could think about was water. But the amazing views made it worthwhile."

Mr O'May has never been one for the quiet life. His job as a textile works study manager took him all over the world and gave him a taste for travelling.

In 2000, he became a graduate at the age of 83, gaining a BA Hons degree in history from Bolton Institute.

Studying the subject enables him to appreciate the sights he has seen.

One thing that tickled him in India was a visit to a cafe in Delhi.

"They had a cow in the back, so you knew the milk was fresh," he laughed.

Mr O'May is planning a return to Brazil for a relative's 90th birthday next year.

"Each time I come back I say it will be the last trip, but there is so much to see."