A DAREDEVIL skydiving trio from Darwen are jumping for joy after helping to create a new British record for the largest ever freefall formation.

Ian Chick, Steve Houlker and Gordon Hodgkinson were among 100 men and women who leaped out of seven aeroplanes at a height of 17,000 feet in the Brit100 challenge, a week-long event at Langar Airfield, Nottinghamshire.

They dived into the formation, building it in waves, and it was complete for seven seconds.

Self employed plumber Ian, 38, of Sunnyhurst Lane, and Flu Safe boss Steve, 40, of Bull Hill, are both regulars at the Black Knights Parachute Centre near Lancaster

Ian said: "It was amazing to see seven aircraft flying side by side.

"Everything went to plan and we received a heroes' welcome when we landed on the edge of the airfield.

"It was brilliant that there were three of us from Darwen taking part. No other town was represented so well."

Gordon, who was raised in the Sunnyhurst area before leaving to pursue his career as a management consultant in London, added: "It was a fantastic experience. The pilots did a superb job getting the aircraft so close and the team spirit was great."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.