102-year-old Second World War veteran becomes Britain’s oldest parachutist

A 102-year-old Second World War veteran has become Britain’s oldest parachutist, after leaping out of a plane over East Anglia. Manette Baillie, from Benhall in Suffolk, completed her first parachute jump on Sunday from Beccles Airfield in celebration of her 102nd birthday. Ms Baillie, who, ahead of the jump, said “you must always look for something new” afterwards told BBC Radio 4 that the jump was “a bit scary”. “I must admit I shut my eyes very firmly,” she said. “I just want other people who are getting towards 80 and 90 not to give up anything. Just keep going.” Watch more on Independent TV: The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Subscribe: Find us on social: TikTok / @independent Instagram / X (Twitter) / http