A GROUP of older adventurers have taken on a zip wire challenge to prove that age is just a number.

Sixteen Age UK Brighton and Hove volunteers, aged between 50 and 78, braved the adrenaline-fuelled fun on Saturday on the Brighton Zip near the Palace Pier.

The Brighton Zip is 300 metres long, and it is the longest and fastest zip wire on the South Coast.

David Turner, a volunteer for Age UK Brighton and Hove, said he wanted to show everyone that age is no barrier.

The 78-year-old former engineer said: “The zip wire was absolutely thrilling. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I had a fantastic time.

“I guess it just showed that even that I am 78, I am still active.

“Age is a number and it’s all psychological. We have this mentality that if you reach a certain age life is over, and you will end up like so and so.

“But it’s not true. For me I am, by nature, an active person. But you need to have the willingness to step out and enjoy yourself.

“I didn’t find the zip wire scary, but climbing up the tower can be a bit daunting. You just need to keep thinking you can do it.

“Age UK is also about encouraging older folks to look after themselves. If you have an active mind, you will be more healthy and you can look after yourself better.”

Rachel Cashman, chief executive at Age UK Brighton and Hove said: “At Age UK Brighton and Hove, our mission is to help people make the most of later life.

“We are also raising awareness of the charity and our services. Thanks to everyone who took part and supported our volunteers.

“Friends and families also came to support our members.

“The zip wire adventure just shows that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.

“We are also trying to encourage people to not have negative presumptions about older folk.

“They put up with a lot of discrimination. In Brighton and Hove, there are about 3,500 age 50 or above, who are suffering from loneliness. It’’s not just high-octane fun we offer. We also run activities like knitting, chess and coffee mornings.

“We also provide help and support on a range of issues including poverty and social care. We will be running Christmas activities, as many older people are alone during the festive season.”