I'VE got to face up to it I'm getting old. Though the body's showing unwelcome signs of wear and tear, I'm still only 25 in the head.

But then aren't we all?

I was a bit perturbed this week to cover a competition on "Valuing Older People" in which children from two Leigh junior schools were asked to present work on the subject.

Fair enough I thought, until I discovered that the golden oldies in question were in my set -- the over 50s!

The purpose of the contest was to involve the children, older people and professionals in raising awareness of age discrimination.

I must say the newly formed Leigh Over 50s Forum is doing a great job in undertaking to improve the quality of life for people who have hit the half century, but I don't want to be reminded I'm on the slippery slope, not just yet anyway.

One little boy's hopeful entry entitled "When I am old" said it all:

When I am an old man

I hope that I am not a victim,

I hope I don't get mugged,

I hope I don't get put in a retirement home,

I hope I have friends and I can still play out.

The wish of all 'aging youngsters' - from the mouths of babes!