A 94-YEAR-old veteran who dropped 10,000 ft out of a plane said he could see skydiving becoming "addictive."

Norman Smith, of Gwernymynydd, took to the skies during a tandem skydive at Tilstock Airfield, Whitchurch, in aid of Blind Veterans UK.

Chester and District Standard:

The charity is close to Mr Smith's heart, and daughter Carole Roberts said it was something her mother and father supported for decades before her mother passed away last year.

She said: "He wasn’t scared, he said he didn't have a moment of nervousness before flinging himself out of an aeroplane. I was more nervous watching from the ground.

Carole said this was a feat Norman had always wanted to take under his wing, and with the passing of his wife, Audrey, taking the plunge for a charity they both loved was the cherry on top.

Chester and District Standard:

Norman Smith, 94, skydived for his chosen charity Blind Veterans UK. Picture: Tilstock Skydive

He said: "Blind Veterans UK have always been a charity me and my late wife Audrey have supported as we think it's a great cause. To be able to do it while raising money for charity is great."

Norman is a Second World War veteran who served as a gunner engineer between 1942-46. The navy veteran gained his pilot's licence at 60 to fly small planes and has also learned both gliding and micro-flight flying.

According to Carole, during the initial freefall Norman said he felt "free as a bird" and enjoyed spreading his arms out.

Chester and District Standard:

Norman Smith, 94, exits the plane. Picture: Tilstock Skydive

She said: "When he got to the ground he was all smiles, he said it just felt magical and that he felt like he could have flapped his arms and flew.

"It was a wonderful day and we are all so proud of my dad, he's an amazing man."

Norman, a former management lecturer at Chester College and author of two management books, has raised more than £600 for completing his tandem parachute jump.

To donate, visit https:/www.justgiving.com/fundraising/norman-smith-skydive

Chester and District Standard:

Chester and District Standard:

Chester and District Standard:

Pictures also from Rick Matthews