A DAREDEVIL grandfather has gone to great heights in supporting his fundraising grandson – by leaping 8,500 feet from an aeroplane.

Gordon Smith, 81, from Richmond, did his first skydive at the weekend along with his 19-year-old grandson Cameron Smith.

The teenager is raising cash for the Duke of Edinburgh Award and will collect his Gold Award from Buckingham Palace on Monday, May 16.

The pair did their jump at Durham Tees Valley Airport in Middleton St George this weekend.

Mr Smith, a retired Army Major, said his family were not particularly surprised by his intention to leap from a plane, but he confessed they did think he was “mad”.

“Cameron has completed his Gold Award and I’m accompanying him to Buckingham Palace," he said. "I’m very proud of what he has achieved through the scheme, not least gaining his glider licence and scuba dive qualification.

“I was quite calm about the jump, until my legs were dangling over the side of the plane – then I was quite apprehensive but it was a unique experience.”

Cameron, from Ilkley, West Yorkshire, is very close to his grandfather, who has supported him through many of his activities and challenges for the awards.

Mr Smith is no stranger to charity work, having been treasurer of the Richmond branch of Yorkshire Cancer Research for eight years; and being involved in aid delivery to Romanian orphanages.

He said: “The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a great thing for young people to do so I’m happy to support it. I’ve raised about £380 at the moment but I know of more to come in.”

Sue Dixon, Mr Smith’s daughter and Cameron’s aunt, said she was very proud of them both.

“This year because it is the diamond jubilee of the awards there was the opportunity for anyone taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards to raise £60 for the scheme, which is what has led them to take on the challenge,” she said.

“I’m so proud of both of them. Dad was very calm about it all and it was a fantastic experience for both of them.”

Mr Smith added: “It was just a shame that I couldn’t skydive from Heathrow into Buckingham Palace grounds next week – that would have been a great entrance.”