BETTER than the big dipper at Blackpool!

That was pensioner Ken Taylor's verdict on his sponsored parachute jump which raised more than £1,500 for the Cancer Research Campaign.

The sprightly 70-year-old from Gaskell Street, Parr, finally completed his leap into the unknown a week late after the jump had to be postponed because of bad weather.

He told the Star: "It was great - much better than being on the big dipper in Blackpool. I wasn't scared at all because it's something I've always fancied doing but never had the chance until I was 70. In fact, I loved it so much I'm considering doing it again next year even though I'll be nearly 71!"

Ken collected sponsorship from friends, relatives and former work colleagues from all over St Helens.

Joanna Lavelle, the CRC's regional director, said: "Ken should be proud of himself for achieving his life's ambition and we are very grateful for this large sum of money. It will be used to fund the most important local cancer research projects so, with Ken's help, we could do even more to save lives."

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