101-year-old in skydiving world record bid

A great-grandfather from Somerset is hoping to claim a world record this weekend - for skydiving. Verdun Hayes from Somerton is 101 years old and aims to be the oldest man in the world to do a skydive.

  • Watch Verdun Hayes celebrating his hundredth birthday in style - he provides the commentary

Pictures courtesy of SkydiveBuzz

Verdun Hayes is keen to prove you're never too old, he only tried skydiving for the first time last year, to celebrate reaching a hundred. His family managed to talk him out of the feat for his 90th birthday but they couldn't stop him doing it at 100. This year it was a case of if you can't beat him, join him. Up to nine of his relatives will be taking part.

The age record is held by a Canadian and Verdun is determined to bring the world title to Britain - he's completely undaunted:

Verdun Hayes in his garden in Somerset ahead of his record bid. Credit: ITV West Country

Verdun is named after the First World War battle his father survived. Verdun himself is a D-day veteran. He was among the first troops in World War II to cross the River Seine in Paris after the Normandy landings. It is no surprise then that he is using the attempt to raise funds for the Royal British Legion.

He was thinking of taking up wing walking for his next challenge - though he thinks his doctor might not clear him for that kind of adventure.