SKIPTON'S Mayor Alan Hickman says he is glad to have successfully completed a 10,000 feet skydive, but would 'probably not' want to do it again.

Cllr Hickman carried out the tandem jump near Bridlington to raise money for three projects close to his heart - the Salvation Army's campaign against modern day slavery, Rotary International's bid to eradicate polio, and for the Craven Pupil Referral Service.

Cllr Hickman, who has never carried out a skydive before, said he was neither frightened or excited by the prospect.

"The man who I was to be attached had an interesting sense of humour, though," he said. "He asked me if I was nervous and when I responded that I was not, he said - I am, so I will be nervous for both of us."

The mayor was treated to far reaching views of both the sea and the countryside during the ascent in the plane, and on the way down.

"My mind told me that for the first mile of the descent , which was in free fall and lasted 30 seconds, that I was plummeting

at 32 feet per second, but there was almost zero sensation of motion - that came when the chute opened and I had pointed out to me the area round about - Flamborough Head, Filey with Scarborough beyond, Fylingdales, the North Yorkshire

Moors and much more from a new perspective."

Cllr Hickman hopes his jump will raise much needed funds to help stop modern day slavery, and as a member of Keighley Rotary Club, to help eradicate polio.

"Compared to the ghastly nature of the evil slavery trade, which has entrapped probably 40 million of my fellow human beings, one guy jumping from a plane is merely a token response, " he said.

Half of the money he raises will go to the Salvation Army campaign, with the remainder split between eradicating polio and the Craven Pupil Referral Service, his chosen charity for the year.

"I would like to thank all those who have contributed already, but the appeal will remain open - money can be given directly to me and left at Skipton Town Hall, or taken to Skipton Building Society," he said.

Cheques should be made out to Alan Hickman, and have 'skydive' written on the back.