WHEN most people reach the age of 60 they slow down and start to relax.However, one Kesgrave resident is not ready for the pipe, slippers and rocking chair just yet.

WHEN most people reach the age of 60 they slow down and start to relax.

However, one Kesgrave resident is not ready for the pipe, slippers and rocking chair just yet.

For his 60th birthday, Peter Dye, aka the Mecca Maniac, will be doing loop-the-loop in a war plane.

Mr Dye, who works at Mecca Bingo, has put his body on the line in a number of fundraising stunts over the last ten years.

These include a solo parachute jump, an abseil down the Heath Road Hospital maternity block and a bike ride from Ipswich to Great Yarmouth via Norwich.

And he has no plans to stop raising money for good causes.

For his current challenge, he will be doing aerobatics in an open cockpit Second World War Stearman bi-plane.

Setting off from an airfield in Old Buckenham, Norfolk, as the passenger of an experienced pilot his routine will include a loop-the-loop and multiple spiral spins. It will take place on July 6, his 60th birthday.

Mr Dye will be able to fly the war plane as he has previous experience of flying.

For at least five minutes he will be in total control of the plane. Mr Dye is aiming to raise £1,000 for the Ipswich Blind Society and is looking forward to the event.

"I was going to have a party and then go on to a nightclub but I thought aerobatics would be far less dangerous," said Peter.

"I have flown in a glider before so it is not knew to me. I have done a parachute jump and that was a bit scary but this does not bother me at all. I am well prepared for it and most people think I'm mad anyway, which is true.

"I would have done this earlier but I thought it would be the ideal way to celebrate my birthday while also putting something back into the community."

Mr Dye, from Quebec Drive, Kesgrave, refuses to do a Bungee jump but already has his sights set on further challenges.

He said: "I'm hoping to be in a two-seater jet plane for my 65th birthday.

"When you get to a certain stage in life, nothing else challenges you so I have looked for other challenges. I used to be a driving instructor so I'm used to living on the edge."

If you wish to sponsor Peter then he can be contacted on 01473 624309 or at work on 01473 256955.

n The Games and Giggles shop, based in The Walk, Ipswich, kindly supplied the flight jacket, Biggles goggles and helmet.