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LIFE'S ONE BIG ADVENTURE AND IT STARTS AT 50

FORGET 'waiting-for-God' style cruises and yawn-inducing 'mystery tour' coach trips, Liverpool's go-getting over 50s are aiming for an adventure-filled retirement that would put their gap-year grandchildren to shame.

With one-in-two over 50s now planning to travel extensively in their retirement, according to new independent research commissioned by volunteer travel specialist, we'll soon be more likely to bump into Liverpool's retired on the safari plains of Africa or in the jungles of South America, than waiting-in-line at the bus stop. 

Financially empowered by the growing equity in their homes, and encouraged by their children's increasingly adventurous exploits, 86 per cent of 50 something's surveyed say they have no intention of letting their age become a barrier between them and new experiences around the world. And just to make sure, one-in-three are actually planning to retire early, specifically so they can get out there and fulfil a long-held travel ambition. 

Cruises may offer luxury and coach tours companionship, but the traditional holidays for the senior generation look set to lose out to the expanding world of travel opportunities. According to i-to-i's independent research, only 6 per cent of Liverpool's 50 something's are looking forward to retirement filled with coaching holidays or meals around the captain's table, whilst adventurous trips to jungles and safaris now rank as the top choice on the holiday wish list of one-in-three over 50s. 

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GYMNASTIC GREATS TO DAZZLE CITY 

THE hottest stars in world Gymnastics are set to dazzle crowds in Liverpool this weekend, in a fascinating rehearsal for the Athens Olympics.

The city will host a prestigious women's international between Great Britain and Russia on Saturday June 26 and Sunday June 27 and over half over the GB squad are members of the City of Liverpool team!

The highlight of the meet is expected to be a dual on the A-bars between Liverpool's own current Commonwealth champion Beth Tweddle and twice Olympic Champion and current World and European All-around Champion Svetlana Khorkina.

The last time the pair met in Liverpool in 2003, Beth Tweddle emerged victorious, and the 19 year old subsequently went on to take Great Britain's first ever silver medal at the European Championships in April 2004.

The City of Liverpool boasts SIX other athletes in the GB team, including twin sisters Carol and Helen Galashan, aged 16. The others are British Floor Champion Nicola Willis, Amy Dodsley, Vanessa Hobbs and Cherrelle Fennell.

The event, organised by Liverpool city council, will help choose the final places for the GB team for the Athens Olympics in August.

GB National Coach Zoltan Jordanov said:- "It's a great opportunity for the team to test their performances against the best and help us gauge what we can expect in Athens."