A high-flying regional press photographer has raised £500 for charity after jumping out of a plane.

Jennie Banks, a staff photographer at the Western Gazette, realised a life-long ambition when she completed a tandem skydive from 10,000ft.

She was one of eight daredevils to take part in the stunt at Dunkeswell Air Field near Honiton in Devon, and soon found herself falling through the air at 120mph.

She said: "It was really exhilarating.

"I was a little bit nervous beforehand but it was a fantastic experience and I even got to steer the parachute."

Strapped to an instructor, Jennie, (23), was able to freefall for 5,000ft before opening her parachute.

She said: "It wasn't scary. We were only freefalling for 35 seconds, but it was an amazing feeling falling through the air.

"It was really noisy but once the parachute opened it went completely silent.

"Once we had landed I was on a real high and was extra happy all day!"

Jennie has now donated her £500 to the Alzheimer's Society.