A SKYDIVING business has been featured as part of a campaign which encourages people to buy from local firms.

County Durham-based Skydive Academy has been named among the 100 small businesses in the UK to be showcased in the run up to Small Business Saturday on December 5.

The campaign highlights small businesses and encourages consumers to support suppliers in their communities.

Skydive Academy, based at Shotton Airfield, near Peterlee, has grown from operating a four place Cessna 182 aircraft undertaking up to 3,000 jumps a year to now operating a 16 place Turbo Prop Cessna Grand Caravan undertaking up to 8000 jumps a year.

Ian Rosenvinge from Skydive Academy said: “Thousands of people make skydives with us every year, many raising hundreds and thousands of pounds for deserving causes. We have hosted National and Grand Prix Parachuting Competitions, British Parachute Association Instructor Courses and we are recognised by Sport England as a significant site of sporting interest.”