A SUPER-FIT 63-year-old from Middlesbrough has been recognised in a national award scheme to find the most active over-60s.

Peter Howe, from Normanby, scooped a Stay Active Award of £100 towards keeping up his active lifestyle and providing inspiration to others.

The campaign, launched by Powergen Staywarm, encourages older people to keep fit and well through exercise.

Despite having had a kidney removed and both hips replaced, Mr Howe generates thousands of pounds for charity each year by taking part in cycling challenges across the world.

These have taken him around countries such as Israel, Egypt, Ireland and the UK from John O'Groats to Lands End three times.

When he is not cycling, the former policeman gives talks about his experiences to organisations around the region and plays guitar in his band, Ezy Co (CORR).

He said: "I like to keep myself physically, mentally and spiritually fit and it makes sense to me that I should raise money for good causes at the same time.

"I'm delighted to have won this award and have decided to donate it to A Celebration of Life after Cancer, which promotes awareness of cancer and raises money for local support groups."