OFFER pensioner Jim Ellis-Beech a pair of slippers and a cardigan and the very least you could expect from the former Army PT instructor is a withering look.

He may be 81, but that doesn't mean he's ready to take it easy, and yesterday was a good example of his philosophy on life.

His day started with a walk - only it was on the wing of a biplane at the Great Yorkshire Air Show at Elvington, near York.

And, after climbing into the cockpit for some stomach-churning aerobatics, he planned to go on from there to do a 180ft bungee jump, a 200ft abseil - followed by an unassisted climb back to the starting point - and a 10,000ft parachute jump.

As a finale, he was also hoping to ride in another plane as the pilot attempted to touch down on a moving truck.

And, this time, Jim, of Bishop Monkton, near Ripon, was finally hoping to carve his name into the Guinness Book of Records as well as raise funds for the Alzheimers Disease Society.

Jim's previous record attempts have not been deemed worthy of a mention in the famous book. "New categories have to start somewhere," he said. "Why can't The Most Stunts in One Day be created?"

But, last night, it seemed the grandfather of four would have to try again.

With daylight fading, it seemed the seven stunts would have to be pared down to five - one less than Jim has already managed.

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