THREE friends were flying high after completing a sponsored parachute jump.

As reported in last week's Guide, choir singers Carole Barnett, Pippa Dodd and Lynda Hinton were ready to take the plunge in aid of the roof restoration fund at Stand All Saints Church in Whitefield.

The trio travelled to Cark Airfield in the Lake District on Saturday (Aug 21), where the weather conditions were "heaven sent".

Lynda (60) said: "It was fabulous weather-wise, considering the terrible week beforehand. There was always a chance the jump would have been cancelled but we were able to go ahead."

The ladies had half an hour's training before going up in the plane, ready for their tandem skydive, which they all took in their stride.

Lynda added: "We were definitely the oldest ones in the plane, but it was amazing. Once you are in the plane and all squashed up there is nowhere else to go and you don't have time to feel nervous. We jumped out strapped to someone else and after the freefall we got the chance to have a look around. The views were stunning."

The three friends, who sing in All Saints choir, are hoping to raise more than £2,500 for the roof fund together with Macmillan Cancer Relief and the Multiple Sclerosis Society.

"The response has been great," added Lynda. "We went to church the next morning and I think everyone was glad to see us back safe and sound. It was an amazing experience."