THE 79-YEAR-OLD Mayoress of Winchester is to jump from an aircraft at a height of 10,000 ft to raise money for charity.

Retired teacher Denise Baker, who is the official escort of Mayor Chris Pines, is to make the charity skydive from Netheravon Airfield on Salisbury Plain next Wednesday (July 11) at 1pm.

She is doing the tandem jump to raise cash for the Winchester-based charity Friends of the Family, Age Concern, Winchester and District Young Carers and Youth Options.

The Mayoress will plunge piggy-back style attached to an experienced Army skydiver. They are expected to freefall at speeds of more than 120 mph before their parachute opens.

Miss Baker said: "I am told it is an absolutely thrilling experience. Hopefully, I will go down with a big burly soldier who will look after me. Older people and very disabled people have done parachute jumps before, so I should be in safe hands.

"I went up in a hot air balloon about five years ago which was great fun. I would like to go again with some of my friends but can't find anyone to go with me."

The Mayor, 62, will be watching from the airfield and taking photos as Miss Baker jumps from the aircraft.

Cllr Pines said: "I will be keeping my feet firmly on the ground! I think she is as mad as a hatter. I am very proud of her. She is 79 but she is fitter than I am.

"I have got no worries about her age or health. Her attitude is never mind the age, let's have a go.' People who have that attitude in life stay young."

The pair, who have been friends for more than 40 years, first met in 1963 when Cllr Pines was a student teacher at King Alfred's College, now the University of Winchester and Miss Baker was his lecturer.

They currently share a house in St Cross.

* Sponsorship forms can be collected from the Tourist Information Office in the Guildhall or phone her on 01962 852709. Alternatively send a cheque made payable to "Mayor of Winchester's Charity," c/o Abbey House, The Broadway, Winchester, SO23 9BD. Gift Aid forms are available from the Winchester City Tourist Information Office, The Broadway, Winchester.