CENTENARIANS are not normally known for intrepid exploration but this lively pensioner is discovering the Martlets Snailspace trail.

Marjorie Charlwood, 101, could not wait to get out and about with The Argus’s pull-out Snailspace map, courtesy of a charity that takes elderly people on cycling tours.

Marjorie lives in Lindridge Care Home in Hove and this was her first trip with Cycling Without Age.

Elly Hargreave, captain of the charity in Brighton and Hove, said: “At 101 years old, she is the eldest passenger to have been out on our bikes yet.

“All our passengers have fascinating stories about their lives and Brighton to share, and love the chance to get outside for a cycling adventure.

“Taking in the Martlets trail is something that many wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.”

Marjorie was born in Brighton and taught reading, writing and arithmetic at Davigdor Infant School, Hove, which is now Brunswick Primary School, for 40 years.

She was joined on her outing by her carer, Sabrina Chirico.

Majorie said: “When I was first approached to go on a bike ride I was a little bit apprehensive and wasn’t sure if it was something I really wanted to do, but I’m so pleased that I went along.

“I so enjoyed the ride along the seafront, it was lovely and peaceful with the water being calm that day. People were waving at me – I felt very special, the dogs were running alongside the bike.”

Lindridge manager Anne Morris said: “Marjorie is currently our oldest resident, she is an absolute joy to be around.

“She has so many stories to tell about her life and her days as a teacher. She has embraced the world of technology and will quite often send the odd email from her laptop, she also uses it to keep in touch with her family.

“Marjorie is always the first to try out new activities in the home and we are so happy with Cycling Without Age – it will benefit so many of our residents.”

Children from nearby nursery Fizzy Fish visit the Lindridge residents once a week.

Marjorie said: “One of the reasons I wanted to see the snails was because we had our handprints placed on a small snail that the nursery had organised, my handprint was the oldest and it was near to the handprint of the youngest child.

“I didn’t mind which snail I saw, I just wanted to see one of the big snails.”