RNLI supporters with a head for heights raised more than £22,000 towards kit and training for lifeboat stations.

Four members of the committee of the Fordingbridge and Ringwood branch of the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution) and five friends and supporters completed skydives at the Army Parachute Association in Netheravon.

They are aiming to raise £25,000 towards training for the Solent group of RNLI lifeboat stations. Chairman of the RNLI Fordingbridge and Ringwood branch Bridget Glasgow said: “It was an amazing feeling plummeting through the air for nearly a minute with a bird’s eye view of the surrounding area – including the Isle of Wight and Solent where our support is targeted.

“When the parachute opened it felt like being whooshed upwards - and then all was peace and quite after the deafening noise of rushing wind while we were in free-fall.”

Bridget has thanked everyone who has supported the fundraising efforts. To help them reach their £25,000 target go to justgiving.com/fundraising/rnlifordingbridgeskydive