A PENSIONER proved you’re never too old to splash out on your birthday.

Don Tozer of North Road in Hertford celebrated turning 85 by taking on the rapids at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

The former engineer-turned-gardener hired two rafts for the bash and was joined by some of his three children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren for the white knuckle ride.

The 300m course was used in the London 2012 Olympics and was where Team GB sped their way to both silver and gold medals in the Canoe Slalom.

Great-granddaughter Cerys, 14, was the youngest to join the adventure while Don’s wife Jill, 78, joined other family members at the side-lines to cheer cruise-saders on.

Don said: “I had a thrilling time- what a way to spend my birthday!

“It was particularly special as so many of my children and grandchildren were with me rafting and enjoying the thrilling ride down the fast moving waters of such a fantastic venue.

“May be I’ll give it another go for another milestone birthday- you never know!”

Don is still a keen sportsman having tried out the Olympic run five years before running the London Marathon aged 75, and continuing to keep fit by using his cross-trainer.