by Hayley Robinson

Lesley Evans may not have been able to hold back the years but she has certainly managed to make turning 60 interesting.

Instead of sitting back and taking things easy, the school librarian decided to mark her milestone birthday by doing 60 things she’s never done before.

Since celebrating her big day on May 16, Lesley has completed 42 tasks from her 60 at 60 list.

These include holding a tarantula, eating squirrel pie, beekeeping, singing karaoke, having a fish pedicure, driving a forklift truck and taking part in the BBC2 quiz show Eggheads which is due to be aired in the autumn.

The mother-of-two, who works at Fulston Manor School, said: "I didn’t really want to turn 60 so when a friend of mine mentioned an acquaintance of hers was thinking of doing something like this for their birthday, I thought it was a good idea.

"My rules apply only, I’m doing things that I want to do – there’s no bungee jumping or jumping out of planes.

"Everyone asks what have you done what are you doing next? I think the more interesting things you do the more interesting you become."

As a massive cricket fan, one of her favourite tasks was visiting the Long Room at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which only opened its doors to women in 1999.

Lesley said: "It was fantastic. All the great players have walked through there.

"It was a bit old fashioned and there was lino on the floor, it wasn’t very posh but it’s a very special place for people who love cricket."

There are just 18 tasks left to complete before the end of the year.

These include go karting, playing a Wii console and watching a re-enactment of the Battle of Hastings.

"It’s been fantastic and fun year," Lesley added.

"If I say I’m wanting to do this or do that, people will say I know someone who can help you do that.

"I’m sure when people hear some of the things I’ve done like having my eyebrows waxed they say everyone does that but I haven’t. It’s very personal.

"Anybody could do it really."