A BOLTON "paperboy" will need plenty of breath to blow out the candles on his birthday cake.

For Cliff Liversedge, who has been delivering the Bolton Journal for the last 10 years, is about to turn 75 this month.

And the sprightly pensioner puts his good health down to his five mile weekly paper round. The energetic grandad says he can deliver his 600 papers in three hours.

He even has to break into a jog to escape some of the dogs which plague him as he delivers the Journal.

Cliff, of Crossmoor Drive, Tonge Moor, explained: "My paper bag is in a sorry state because of the dogs which have had a go at it.

"I've even been bitten a few times myself. Mongrels seem to be the worst because some of their owners just let them out.

"It doesn't matter what the weather is like, I will do my round every Thursday. I'm known in the area now and one lady even gives me a tip at Christmas although I don't expect it."

Cliff's enthusiasm has rubbed off on his family members. His son Brian, 44, used to deliver the Journal and one of his three grandsons, David, 14, has an early morning paper round.

And even though he's approaching his 75th year Cliff insists he will continue with his round.

He added: "My wife, Betsy, has tried a few times to get me to finish but there's no chance of that. I love doing it. It gets you out and about and keeps your legs going."

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