A NORTH-EAST pensioner is hoping to relive his youth by taking to the open roads on a motorbike.

Barry Seaton may be 73-years-old, but his new acquisition - a silver and chrome Suzuki 125cc - is bringing back happy memories of his biking days, 50 years ago.

The born-again-biker, from Carmel Gardens, Darlington, said he bought the bike after reading an article on the cost of funerals.

"I turned the page to see a motorbike at the same price," he said. "I thought to myself, 'which one would I rather have?' and, of course, I picked the motorbike."

Mr Seaton's dream is to ride his bike across the back roads of the Pennines.

He said: "I used to have a 125cc motorbike when I was younger, but 50 years ago they were just toys.

"Bikes these days are much more powerful. I was very careful when I was choosing a bike, because some of the larger ones are extremely heavy and I don't think I could handle them at my age.

"I saw one bike that had a two-and-a-half litre engine. That's the same as my Land Rover."

Mr Seaton said his family supported him buying the bike. "I think my son is quite envious," he said. "My wife was in two minds about my buying one at first, but when I brought it home she fell for it. As it's small, it looks quite sweet really."