BRITAIN’S oldest graduate has now become one of the world’s oldest ever skydivers, at the age of 94.

Cliff Dadson took to the skies over his hometown of Grange on Saturday in aid of children’s charity Action for Children.

Friends and supporters gathered at Skydive North West, Cark-in-Cartmel, to watch the thrill-seeking nonagerian jump from a plane at 13,500ft in a tandem skydive, and land with a smile on his face.

“It was very exciting,” Cliff said after getting back on solid ground. “I was a little bit anxious going up in the plane and when I was up there I wondered if I was doing a daft thing.

MORE TOP STORIES: “But as soon as we stepped out of the plane it was an incredible experience to see where I live so high up.

“I had a good instructor, who made me feel safe and it was great to see so many friends here.

“It feels like half of Grange has turned out to support me, which is great, it meant I couldn’t back out.”

Cliff added: “I decided to fundraise for Action for Children as I have no grandchildren of my own and I think they do a great job; I’ve been supporting them for about 30 years.”

Cliff served in the Royal Air Force after the Second World War as an airborne equipment manufacturer.

After a career which took him all over the world, he retired to Levens and lived in the village for 28 years before moving to Grange five years ago, after the death of his wife.

At the age of 93, he graduated from the Open University with a BA Open Degree in Arts, last September.

Cliff then turned his attention to skydiving and is currently writing a book about his life.

“The book is my focus now,” he said. “I’ve had such a wonderful life, I’ve travelled all over and I’ve done all the things I want to do.”

Sir Tony Hawkhead, Action for Children chief executive, said: “Cliff is a remarkable supporter of Action for Children.

“Celebrating his forthcoming 95th birthday by raising money in such an inspirational way Cliff is helping us to continue supporting the country’s most vulnerable children.

“Amazing people like him, who go above and beyond to make the world a better place, are real heroes.”

To sponsor Cliff’s skydive visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/CliffDadson.