A 73-YEAR-OLD from the region has been crowned one of the UK's fittest pensioners.

Merlyn Hannant, from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, came third in a competition to find superfit senior citizens, run by energy drink Yakult.

More than 500 pensioners competed in a series of challenges designed to test mind, body and spirit.

They included the current number craze Sudoku, the ancient Chinese puzzle Tangrams and an extensive general knowledge test, as well as Body Mass Index (BMI) and lung capacity tests.

The competition finished with an in-depth assessment of the contestants' overall approach to life, conducted by health writer Michael van Straten.

Ms Hannant works out mentally doing cryptic crosswords, as well as using e-mail to keep in touch with friends in Argentina and Spain.

She also works out physically with weights three times a week, regularly goes fell walking and works in a charity shop three days a week.

Ms Hannant said: "I was really pleased to come third, especially after knowing 500 people had entered. The final 12 had a real get-up-and-go attitude and I had a great time competing against them.

"I believe 70-somethings are much younger than they used to be."

Her top tips for enjoying life in her 70s include eating a varied diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, taking regular exercise and always keeping an open mind to enjoy new experiences.