GRANDAD Jack Nutter is on top of the world...after climbing to the top of Pendle Hill to mark his 80th birthday.

Jack, who is originally from Nelson, but now lives outside York, was joined by family from as far afield as Belgium when he made the 1,800ft climb.

And they even marked out the anniversary with a five-metre high message in stones and pebbles.

Jack, who has a metal rod inserted his leg following a car accident a year ago, was joined by son, John, his wife Pascal and their children, Thomas, four and two year-old Alexia from Belgium; his daughter Judi Plummer, husband Barry and their 12-year-old daughter Florentina and daughter Jane Moore, her husband Stuart and their daughters, Rachel, 22 and Jennifer 20.

Jack's wife, Elizabeth, 79, who suffers from glaucoma and arthritis was unable to make the climb.

Some members of the family went up the day before Jack's birthday, to make a five metre sign, using stones and pebbles, spelling out 'Jack Nutter 80' and planted a flag with Jack's picture and 'Happy Birthday Jack' written on it.

The family also had a picnic on top of the hill before toasting Jack with a bottle of whisky.

Keen walker Jack, a former engineer with Rowntrees in York, grew up in East Lancashire, but moved away to go to university, although he is a frequent visitor to the area and believes he could be a descendant of the legendary Pendle Witch Alice Nutter, who was hanged in the 17th century.

To mark his 70th birthday he climbed to the top of Helvellyn in Wales -- but at the moment has no plans to make any ambitious climbs for his 90th birthday.

Jack said: "I used to be a really keen walker and I really wanted all the family to come with me on my birthday and cheer me up.

"It was a perfect day and the weather was lovely.

"I couldn't believe it when I got to the top and the sign and flag were there, it was really nice. We even had a picnic and a glass of whisky to celebrate."

Granddaughter Rachel, who lives in Yorkshire, said: "He just loves to walk.

"He has walked every day of his life.

"He was really touched when he saw the signs we had done for him.

"We stayed up there for a few hours and toasted his birthday with a bottle of whisky."