Daredevil 91-year-old thought to be UK's oldest wing walker

A 91-year-old woman is thought to have set a new record as the UK's oldest wing-walker.

Norma Howard took to the skies above Cirencester, Gloucestershire, strapped to the top wing of a vintage biplane at 500 feet.

  • Watch: The daredevil 91-year-old reaching for the skies

The retired physiotherapist, who is also a former pilot, beat the record set last year by 88-year-old Betty Bromage.

She took on the challenge at Rendcomb Airfield to raise funds for Dementia UK, rather than for thrills or record-breaker status.

Once back safely on the ground, she said:

Mrs Howard said the hardest bit was climbing onto the plane. Credit: ITV West Country

Mrs Howard, who spends her time helping elderly friends to and from hospital, now plans to abseil Portsmouth's Spinaker Tower.

She's no stranger to daredevil challenges. At the age of around 80, Mrs Howard twice swam the equivalent of the English Channel in a swimming pool.

Eight years ago, aged 83, she sat on the handlebars of a 1925 Indian motorbike riding the Wall of Death.

A spokeswoman for Dementia UK said: "We cannot thank Norma enough for her efforts. All the money she is continuing to raise through public support will help Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses reach more people facing dementia."

Flying high - Mrs Howard said it was amazing looking down at the green and yellow landscape. Credit: ITV West Country