World War Two veteran completes first skydive since D-Day

A 94-year-old World War Two veteran has braved his first skydive - since parachuting into D-Day in 1944.

Harry Read was just a 20-year-old wireless operator when he dropped into Normandy alongside the Parachute Brigade 74 years ago.

Now Mr Read has completed his first skydive since the famous invasion by jumping from 10,000ft above The Old Sarum Airfield in Salisbury.

The great-great grandfather used the event to fundraise for The Salvation Army's Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery work.

Mr Read, from Bournemouth, recalled the difference between the two jumps.

"On that morning at 00.50 hours I parachuted into Normandy and 30 seconds later I was on the ground. It was a very different experience to the one I just had," he said.

"This was my first high level skydive and whilst I was a little nervous I have always enjoyed the thrill of parachuting.

"It was amazing to experience the freefall and then cruising down was simply beautiful.

"I feel so lucky to have been able to experience this at my age."

Mr Read has already raised over £3,500 which will go to The Salvation Army's Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit.

He said: "It'd surprise our western world that trafficking is so rife here, that young women can be trafficked, our society always thought we were clear of this sort of thing, but it happens to men as well as women.

"It's practically on our doorstep, and well, we ought to be doing something very special for it."

Mr Read took part in the jump along with members of his family; his grand-daughters Lianne, 37, and Joanna, 39, and his great-grandson Josh, 23.