YOU will never find Robin Smith enjoying his retirement lying on a beach in Spain, reading a book.

The 65-year-old is much too adventurous and books his holidays for places a bit more exciting.

But sometimes, Mr Smith's wanderlust has put him closer to danger than he would have liked.

He has just returned from Sri Lanka, where he landed in a plane which was blown up hours later by terrorists.

And three years ago he was in Egypt just days before 68 tourists were shot dead at the Valley of the Queens.

Mr Smith, of St Michael's Avenue, Great Lever, said he has had some close shaves, but he will continue visiting different countries.

"I have not been put off," he said. "I like hectic holidays.

"I'm not one for lying on the beach. Anyway, I have felt more threatened walking down Bradshawgate at 11pm on a Saturday night."

Mr Smith, who spent many years helping to run Bolton Lions' toy appeal, set off on his recent one-month adventure, flying from Manchester to Delhi in India.

He spent nine days in the country and also witnessed India and Pakistan holding their peace talks over Kashmir at Agra, where tourists flock to see the Taj Mahal.

Mr Smith and his friend Dorothy Ferdinand, from Heaton, had no problems until they flew from Delhi to Colombo, in Sri Lanka.

After landing, they boarded a coach and were told they would not be able to go through the city centre, because of fighting between the national party and the Government.

There were 89 people injured and two killed in the violence.

Mr Smith, who spent time in the army and the air force, said: "We could hear the shooting and explosions. I wasn't scared, but a few on the coach were.

"I think people back home were more worried about us."

The two holidaymakers were shocked the next day when they turned on the television in their hotel and saw the aeroplane they had travelled on left devastated after more violence broke out between the Government and terrorists at Colombo airport.

They have finally returned home in one piece after three weeks in Sri Lanka, a country Mr Smith said he loved.

He is now preparing for his next holiday.

But where will he be visiting? Somewhere a little less hectic, like Scarborough or Southport?

"I quite like the idea of Vietnam," he said. "It's quietened down a lot there now."