ENGINEERING boss and Burnley councillor Gordon Birtwistle came through his toughest test when he took part in his first triathlon at the age of 56.

He completed a 12-length swim, seven-mile cycle ride and three-mile run in one hour 23 minutes and enjoyed it so much he is prepared to have another go.

He said: "I was aiming for one hour 10 minutes but I hadn't realised the run was up a hill similar to Manchester Road in Burnley. I thought it would be on the flat."

Gordon, owner of Stewart Engineering, Oswaldtwistle and Lib Dem leader on Burnley Council, has raised at least £600 for the Mayor of Burnley's charity fund, including £250 sponsorship from Burnley Heating Supplies.

In the novice event, at Horwich, Gordon finished 20th of out of 24 competitors, all at least 20 years his junior.

Gordon has lost two stone and his blood pressure has gone down since he started the fitness regime about 15 months ago.

It all started when he arranged a personal trainer for his wife on her birthday. Paul Hollinrake of New Energy, Rossendale, encouraged Gordon to get fit.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoyed the triathlon. All the hard work paid off and I will have another go."

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