WINCHESTER Mayoress, Denise Baker, completed a skydive from 12,000ft after three earlier attempts were aborted.

A combination of bad weather and army training had previously thwarted the 79-year-old.

The retired teacher's first attempt on July 11 was delayed by military manoeuvres near the Netheravon airstrip beside Salisbury Plain.

A second attempt on July 25 fell foul to the weather, and the third attempt, on July 27, suffered the same fate.

Ms Baker and Winchester Mayor, Cllr Chris Pines, returned to Netheravon on Wednesday (August 1) hoping for better luck.

The pair became friends more than 40 years ago, and they share a house in St Cross.

The Mayor added that the wind and rain that accompanied the previous three attempts relented on the fourth occasion.

"It was wonderful weather with blue skies and hardly any wind. All the conditions were perfect."

He watched from the ground as the aircraft carrying the Mayoress took off shortly after lunchtime.

She was not alone, as around 20 other parachutists were onboard. They included soldiers, people jumping for fun, and those raising money for good causes.

The Mayoress came into the final category, as she was hoping to boost the coffers of the Mayor's charities.

Cllr Pines has nominated Friends of the Family, Age Concern Winchester, Youth Options and Winchester and District Young Carers.

A significant sum was riding on the jump, as more than £3,000 has been pledged for the skydive.

Of the 20 parachutists, the Mayoress, who was strapped to an experienced army instructor, was the last jumper out of the aircraft.

Descending from 12,000ft, they were in free fall for around 45 seconds before the parachute opened.

Around five minutes later, she touched down safely with the instructor.

Said Cllr Pines: "I think she was the oldest there by a long way, but that didn't stop her."

Further donations for the skydive are still welcome, and can be sent to Abbey House, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9BD. Cheques should be made payable to "Mayor of Winchester's Charity".