SKIPTON man Richard Wadwell took to the skies and jumped out of a plane to raise money for a charity close to his heart.

Richard, who has been blind from birth, originally hoped to raise £500 for Guide Dogs, as a thank you for his own dog, Ralph.

But he has so far received almost three times his target and says he has been humbled by people's generosity.

He finally carried out his tandem skydive at an airport close to Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, after strong winds meant the original date was postponed.

“It was one of the most exciting things I've done," he said.

Jumping from 14,000 feet, they were in the air for almost a minute, reaching speeds of up to 120mph.

"The feeling of being thrown out into the vast nothingness of the sky with the wind roaring around you was awesome.

"Once the parachute opens everything suddenly goes quiet and still and you are just hanging amongst the clouds like a bird. We even managed a fairly soft landing too, which was a relief."

Richard, co-ordinator for Skipton branch of Guide Dogs in addition to being a volunteer at Settle Folly and at Keighley CAB, has so far raised £1,378 for Guide Dogs.

“I have been humbled by the generosity of the people of Skipton. I've had donations not just from people I know but from people who don't know me but recognised Ralph and from the photo in the Craven Herald. I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone."

Richard, who has had Ralph for two-and-a-half years, says he has changed his life drastically, allowing him the freedom and independence that most take for granted.

Anyone still wishing to support Richard's sky dive and Guide Dogs can still donate money by visiting justgiving.com/RichardandRalph or by texting RALF66 to 70070