SEVERAL mountain-bike rides, brass band rehearsals and responsibilities as verger of the parish church are all in a day's work for award-winning pensioner Jean Jackson.

The busy 75-year-old, who lives at The Drove, in Amesbury, has been named an ambassador for the over-60s in the national Stay Active Awards, organised by Powergen.

For the past 31 years, Jean has played the euphonium in Amesbury Town Band, of which she is now one of the oldest members.

"We have rehearsals every Wednesday but I try to practise every day for at least 35 minutes," she said.

"Then we have about 30 engagements a year, which can involve a lot of travelling.

"It's great being in the band and have everyone playing together but we do need more younger members."

When she's not playing her instrument, Mrs Jackson still uses plenty of puff by whizzing round Amesbury on her trusty mountain bike.

"I have always cycled everywhere and last year I upgraded to a mountain bike, which is great exercise," she said.

"I'll often make about three trips a day and it's quite a push back up the hill, which keeps me fit.

"There's no point going in the car when you can cycle."

One of the pensioner's most regular trips is to Amesbury parish church, where she has been a verger since 1985.

"It's my job to get everything ready for the services," she said.

"I go along several times a week and find it very enjoyable."

As part of her prize, Mrs Jackson has won £250, which she plans to spend on a trip to RAF Cranwell for a reunion of Royal Air Force musicians.

"I was really pleased when I won this competition," she said.

"I think it's so refreshing that a company is recognising that elderly people are interested in leading active lives."

Powergen's Stay Active campaign also offers advice to pensioners about how to keep warm in their homes, and how to stay fit and healthy in later years.

"When we launched a search for ambassadors for over-60s, we were inundated with entries," said Powergen's local adviser, Steve Lay.

"We're delighted to present this award to Mrs Jackson and hope other over-60s will be encouraged to join her."

Mrs Jackson, who has two children and a grandson, added: "It's very important to stay busy for as long as you can.

"It helps to keep you fit and stay warm, and it's great to be involved with so many activities."