Sean Connery blends into the crowds as he goes for a stroll in New York

One time 007 Sean Connery is now enjoying himself away from the spotlight as he laps up his time off.

Sean Connery, 81, stepped out in New York yesterday as he wore his trousers high up.

The actor blended into the crowds as he went for a stroll, but at 81 he looked well as he fully embraces the ageing process.

Sean Connery, who took on the iconic role in movies including From Russia With Love and Goldfinger, opted for a checked shirt and a sun hat as he made his way around New York.

He teamed his outfit up with some beige trousers and some brown leather shoes.

Long gone are his slick suits and dapper style, as Sean Connery seemed happy to dress down.

The actor carried a plastic bag as he ran errands around Manhattan, while he displayed a grey moustache.

It’s been 50 years since Sean Connery first appeared as the handsome agent James Bond this year, when he debuted in 1962’s Dr. No.

He then went on to film other Bond movies including You Only Live Twice and Diamonds Are Forever.

But he hung up his spy shoes in 1973, when Sir Roger Moore took over to portray the role in Live And Let Die.

Sean Connery recently praised director Terrence Young, who launched the franchise with him as the lead, portraying the role made famous in Ian Fleming’s books.

He told Variety: “He got me a rack of clothes and, as they say, could get me to look convincingly dangerous in the act of playing it.

“And the humor was one element that was missing from the books of Fleming himself.”

Daniel Craig is currently filming his third movie as the super spy, as he shoots upcoming picture Sky Fall.