PRIME Minister Tony Blair has admitted he is dreading turning 50.

In an interview to be published in the May issue of Saga Magazine, out on Friday, Mr Blair, MP for Sedgefield, talks about his 50th birthday which falls on May 6.

He reveals that he does not plan to stay in politics until his later years, although he says his ambition "to get done the things I came into politics to do", remains to be achieved.

He says: "I'm a great believer in having a purpose in life, something that drives and motivates you. I wouldn't be happy if I didn't feel there was something out there that I was striving for.

"As I get older, I think of all the gaps in my knowledge and experience, some of which I'd like to fill eventually.

"I think back to things I'd like to have done at school, science for instance, at which I was absolutely hopeless, and in which I've now become extremely interested.

"I will enjoy trying to fill some of the gaps. I'd also like to speak another language."

Mr Blair also shares his concerns about being an older father and still facing the school run at 60.

But he says that he doesn't feel 50, and feels fitter and weighs less than he did ten years ago.

He adds: "I feel great, physically. I do more exercise today than I've done since I was at school. I pay more attention to looking after myself, I watch my diet a bit. But really, I find it's the exercise that's fantastically helpful for coping with stress."