SPRIGHTLY pensioner Mary Howarth refuses to let life slip through the net

At 80 years old, she is still running her fishing tackle shop in Watson Road, Blackpool - and dips her rod most weekends.

Mary's so busy, she puts most 18-year-olds in their plaice!

"I go fishing every week," said Mary, a member of Blackpool and Layton Fishing Club.

"When most people retire they usually end up having a stroke and walking round with a stick. Not me! Why should life end when you retire?"

During the week, Mary keeps herself busy running the fishing tackle business and at weekends she packs her rod and heads out to the nearest canal or lake with friends from the club.

"I can't afford to fish for salmon," admitted Mary. "It's too expensive - besides I've always got a tin in the cupboard.

"I've been a member of the club for 30 years and love fishing and it's something I'll keep on doing."

And while Environment Agency bailiffs were busy chasing rod licence dodgers over the Bank Holiday weekend, Mary was out sea fishing.

"They won't catch me without a licence," she added.

"A rod licence is like a car licence to me. I just wish everyone else would buy one and save us getting hassle from the bailiffs."

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