AN ex-physics teacher from Faversham is proving it's never too late to learn the ropes, after taking up an unusual hobby.

Seventy-two-year-old Guy Hawkins, of Newton Road is the oldest student of an aerial acrobatics group that meet every week to practise their skills on ropes, silks and the trapeze swings.

The sessions, held at the Queen Elizabeth Sports Centre in Faversham and Whitstable's Community Sports Centre, cater for all levels of skill, with some of the braver acrobats clambering up to perform tricks at the height of a two-storey building.

Guy, a retired head of physics at St Edmund's School in Canterbury, decided to get involved when he saw an advert at the gym. He said: "I always liked climbing trees and things. I love rock climbing and was involved with working on the rigging on the sets of various productions, so I was immediately interested in trying it."

"It gives you a great all over physical workout and is great for muscle strength. It is very demanding."

But Guy, the father of 13-year-old twins, says acrobatics didn't come without risks, including cracking a couple of ribs after one bad fall.

He said: "Everyone tells me I'm mad for doing it, but I think about it a little differently. I think it is a very good activity and my kids think I'm cool for doing it!"

Teacher Tina Carter trained at a circus school in Paris and toured with Zippo's circus, before settling in Whitstable to teach acrobatics 12 years ago.

She said: "Most of the people who come to the classes don't have circus ambitions. Some have gone on to become professional acrobats but the majority of people come for another form of physical activity, but one which comes with an adrenaline hit - a bit more exciting than just going down the gym."

"When Guy first told me he was in his 70s I couldn't believe it. He's very determined and quickly proved that ability is not about age but about the individual.

"We all make presumptions about what people of a certain age can do, but as far as I'm concerned if you can hold your own weight and have a head for heights you can do acrobatics."

Sessions are held at the Queen Elizabeth's Sports Centre and Whitstable's Community Sports Centre. For more information, contact Tina on 07973480770.