15 May 2017

D-Day veteran becomes world's oldest skydiver

10:11 am on 15 May 2017

A British veteran of the Second World War has become the world's oldest skydiver.

Verdun Hayes has become the oldest ever skydiver at 101 years and 38 days old.

Verdun Hayes has become the oldest ever skydiver at 101 years and 38 days old. Photo: Screengrab / BBC

Bryson William Verdun Hayes, who is 101 years old, has completed a parachute jump from an altitude of 5000m along with three generations of his family.

Mr Hayes served in the Army during World War II and was presented with a Legion d'honneur for his heroic actions on D-Day, and in the campaign to liberate Europe from the Nazis.

He said the jump was something he had wanted to do since he turned 90 - but had been talked out of it by his wife.

"Beautiful. Really, I'd do it again tomorrow ... it's lovely."

A spokesman for the Royal British Legion said Mr Hayes would be celebrating with a glass of champagne.

- BBC