WATER way to spend your retirement!

While many pensioners are just happy to put their feet up when they gain OAP status, grandad Philip Lynch has decided the time is right to plunge headlong into his favourite hobby.

For 70-year-old Philip (pictured), of Lupin Close, Accrington, could think of no better way to spend his new-found leisure time than by donning a wet suit and picking up an old hobby -- scuba diving.

The retired engineer has been dipping in and out of diving throughout his life and wasn't going to let old age stop him.

He even believes that his passion for the sub-aqua sport helped him overcome leukaemia when was 63.

He said: "I have been scuba diving all my life and the first thing I asked the doctor when I was told I had leukaemia was whether it would mean having to hang up the flippers. He told me as soon as I felt well enough I should do it again. That was it. I was determined to get out into the water again."

Philip, who has been a member of diving clubs in Burnley, Great Harwood, and Darwen, first took up the sport in the 1940s -- and has had a splashing time ever since.

He even got his son Steven hooked on the sport and the pair spent Father's Day getting to grips with Crummock Water, in the Lake District. He added: "I was so pleased when Steven decided to join in as well.

"He loved it straight away. It must be in our blood."

And although most people only come into contact with the sub-aqua sport when they are given the chance to explore some hidden cove in the Canaries or splash around a coral reef, 70-year-old Philip, who has notched up some 50 years experience as a scuba diver, has only ever dived in British waters.

He said: "There is something special about scuba diving in this country. It is so peaceful and tranquil but you always have to be on your guard so things don't startle you.

"I have had the opportunity to scuba abroad but people charge about £40 or £50 for just 20 minutes splashing around.

"When you think that I have all the equipment at home, it seems pointless to spend that amount of money and I do think that our waters are the best. You can't beat Kirkby Lonsdale."