PENSIONER James Saul began the New Year by re-living the moment he went airborne in a Tiger Moth and vowed: "I may even try it again!"

Not many people have the chance to celebrate their 70th birthday carrying out a loop-the-loop 3,000 ft above the ground, especially in a 53-year old Tiger Moth.

But that is exactly the experience which awaited James when he received a half hour lesson in the single-engine plane.

The 'passport to exhilaration' was a birthday gift from his wife, Marian and children Michael and Louise and their families in November 1999.

However, he had to wait more than six months for the thrill of having his head in the clouds near Burton-on-Trent. The plane, owned by a Northampton pilot, cannot operate between November and April because it needs good flying conditions.

"It was a real 'seat of your pants' experience," explained James, of Deganwy Avenue, Blackburn.

"Once up there the pilot said 'you're in charge' and took his hands off the very basic controls."

The open cockpit offered little protection though you could not feel much wind resistance unless you stuck your head out, James explained.

The plane is licensed to carry out limited aerobatics which were promptly demonstrated during a loop over the airfield.

"It was a wonderful experience which I might try again sometime," said James whose son Michael has now begun taking flying lessons of his own at Barton. BI-PLANE BIRTHDAY: James Saul with the Tiger Moth and his flight passport