MANY people want to remain young forever, but for those who are born on February 29 the dream can be a reality... of sorts.

This year, 2020, is a leap year, meaning people born on February 29 will be able to celebrate their official birthdays.

Linda Pollock from Hamworthy will be marking her 52nd year since her birth, despite only officially turning 13.

For Linda, having a leap year birthday is “weird at times as well as annoying”, especially when it comes to having to work an extra day before retiring.

However, it’s not just the government that doesn’t recognise leap year birthdays.

“When I used to go night clubbing with my friends, the bouncers used to keep me back as a wind-up after seeing my date of birth on my ID," she said.

“Many adults ask stupid questions about my birthday, so it’s easier to explain to kids as they are amazed by it.”

Despite being due in March, Linda’s mum was adamant that her daughter would be born on February 29.

Linda said: “It wasn’t because it was a leap year, she just wanted to get me out.”

Although enduring many trials and tribulations as a result of her birthday, Linda has many special memories from her previous celebrations.

She said: “My great aunt's birthday was on February 28 and my nan’s birthday was on March 1, so I loved celebrating my birthday with them both.”

This year, Linda is celebrating her birthday with what she describes as a “proper 13th birthday party".

“I’m having a special three day celebration to mark the event from February 28 to March 1.

"Me and my friends are going to KFC, Sprinkles, and then we will go on a pub crawl.

“This also gives my husband more time to buy me something if he forgets."

Having a leap year birthday may not be all it’s cracked up to be, but is something that remains special for Linda.

She said: “A leap year birthday is quite special as there’s not many of us. It’s like having your 18th all over again.

“When my friends are in their 80s with their zimmer frames, I will be 18 dancing on the dance floor.”