A DAREDEVIL councillor has jumped out of a plane as the final act of his year in office.

Durham County Council's outgoing Chairman, Cllr John Lethbridge finally completed his three-mile high skydive after two previous attempts were thwarted by the weather.

The former teacher, who represents the Woodhouse Close ward, in Bishop Auckland, jumped out of the plane strapped to a parachute instructor, in aid of The Royal British Legion.

The grandfather-of-two said: “It was really frustrating to not be able to go ahead because of the weather, not just once but twice. So it was a relief to finally be able to go ahead at the third time of asking.

"To fall at 120mph was something I will never forget. The views of County Durham and the coastline were really quite spectacular and by the time I touched the ground I'd got over the nerves and was fully enjoying the experience.”

Cllr Lethbridge has already surpassed his initial £1,000 fundraising target.

He said: “I am so grateful to everyone who has sponsored me. Their money will go to a brilliant charity which is a great way of giving back to those who have given so much to us all.”

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/john-lethbridge