TAKING it easy was the last thing on the mind of jet-setting pensioner Andrew O'May.

Not only did he travel 12,000 miles to Australia on his own, the 86-year-old is one of the oldest people to tackle the 400ft Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Just like backpackers decades younger than himself, Mr O'May booked his flight and found his accommodation when he arrived.

Mr O'May, of Devon Road, Ainsworth, has wanted to see the famous landmark since it was built in 1932 and remembers writing an essay about it at school in his home town of Paisley, Scotland.

He said: "It was a bit unnerving having nowhere to stay, but within half an hour, I was in bed. It was the same everywhere I went."

When he arrived in Australia, he gave himself a day to settle in before embarking on his adventure -- a three-hour climb up the bridge.

The climb is advertised as being suitable only for fit people but Mr O'May found the only discomfort was the heat.

He said: "We had to wear grey suits to blend in with the bridge so we didn't distract drivers. After a short demonstration, we set off in groups of 12.

"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 for JP Coats took him all over the world and gave him a taste for travelling.

And that is not his only passion. In 2000, at the age of 83, Mr O'May became one of Bolton's oldest graduates, after gaining a BA Hons degree in history.

The history enthusiast, who left school at 15, started the course after the death of his wife, Doris.

He also wanted to see the world and in the past three years, the widower has visited Poland, Russia and Brazil, ridden an elephant in India and a camel in Egypt, climbed the Great Wall of China and walked across the desert in Jordan.

He is also one of Bolton's oldest graduates, having gained history degree in 2000.

"Each time I come back I say it will be the last trip, but there is just so much to see," he said. "They are all highlights of my life and were all great, but I always like to come home. Of all the places in the world, I would always choose to live here."

He is already planning to return to Brazil for a relative's 90th birthday next year.