REPORTER Lewis Cowen has finally managed to complete his tandem parachute jump, raising nearly £300 for the Danbi Children's Trust.

The 53-year-old Devizes-based Gazette journalist jumped from a light aircraft at around 10.30am on Saturday, securely fastened to instructor Gary Lawry, while cameraman Tag Pullam recorded the scene on video.

Mr Cowen was among 13 supporters of the Danbi Children's Trust who turned up at the Army Parachute Association's airfield at Netheravon to jump for charity. Unfortunately, before all the fund-raisers could jump, the weather closed in and all parachuting was called off.

But Saturday dawned bright and clear and Mr Cowen finally got to go for glory. The light aircraft climbed to over 13,000 feet and he and Mr Lawry plunged earthward.

They were in freefall for around 35 seconds before Mr Lawry deployed the canopy and they gently drifted down, landing in the target area a few feet from the parachute centre.

Mr Cowen said: "It was a most remarkable experience. It didn't feel quite real. I'm glad I have the video to prove I actually did it."

The Danbi Trust is now close to its £3,500 target for purchasing a specialist wheelchair and bicycle for nine-year-old Andrew Maharaj, from Calne, who was struck down with a mystery virus, which resulted in his being paralysed from the waist down. His mother Desiree was one of the brave few who chose to do a solo static line jump, which involved six hours' training.