Don’t stand so close to Police frontman Sting – he’ll just make you look old, a new poll suggests.

The blond heartthrob – who has just announced a comeback tour with The Police - topped a poll on the real Peter Pan’s of Popular Culture – those men and women who never seem to age. He beat chat show host Jonathan Ross into second place with comedian Bruce Forsyth taking third. Rockers Rod Stewart and Mick Jagger came in fourth and fifth place respectively.

The poll conducted to mark the launch on DVD of the specially restored Disney classic Peter Pan – the original boy who never grows up - asked 1,300 Britons who they most admired when it came to staying and looking young.

Helen Mirren topped the list of women who defy the years in the eyes of the public followed by Sharon Osbourne and Madonna. Lulu came in fourth with EastEnders Barbara Windsor in fifth place.

And it seems celebs are not the only ones who like to stay young at heart – the study also reveals one in three Brits feel at least 10 years younger than their actual age

Of those questioned, 80% aged over 55 said they felt much younger than their actual age, with more than one in 10 (14%) saying they felt at least 30 years younger.

Although having fun is key to retaining their youth, being around children (41%) and having younger friends (23%) were considered vital to staying young at heart. A healthy diet and love and romance were also popular responses, whilst 15% of Brits claim a night out dancing keeps them feeling young.

Celebrity psychologist and Life Coach Honey Langcaster-James (Big Brother and Love Island) said the findings reflected a greater need amongst the population to stay younger at heart.

She said: “Few people like the idea of growing older and the results of Disney’s survey reflect that everyone is keen to keep in touch with their inner child. – the study reveals a nation of Peter Pan’s who still enjoy childish pleasures and pursuits.”

Results were as follows:

Male Peter Pan’s

Sting 32%
Jonathan Ross 26%
Bruce Forsyth 16%
Rod Stewart 11%
Mick Jagger 8%
Other 7%

Female Peter Pan’s

Helen Mirren 36%
Sharon Osbourne 24%
Madonna 19%
Lulu 12%
Barber Windsor 6%
Other 3%