A DAREDEVIL great-grandmother is preparing to plunge 12,000ft in a charity parachute jump.

Using the theme of the number nine, Joan Harding will mark her 90th year with the death-defying leap in September, the ninth month of the year.

She is bidding to raise £900 by completing the skydive in aid of the Royal British Legion, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary.

Far from being daunted by the task ahead, Mrs Harding is on cloud nine at the prospect of realising a long-held ambition.

The 89-year-old, who lives in Salter Court, in St Mary’s, Colchester, has been declared fit for the jump by her doctor and is raring to go.

She said: “I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be exhilarating and it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

“I’m not too apprehensive because I’m quite a calm person. I think I’m possibly too laid back.”

Mrs Harding will tumble through the air for at least 45 seconds after jumping from a plane at a height of more than two miles above the ground.

She will be strapped to an experienced parachutist when she makes the jump, on September 23, at Honington Airfield, in Devon.

Catherine Pugh, a friend of Mrs Harding, said she had no doubt the grandmother of six and great-grandmother of three was up to the challenge.

She added: “Joan is nearly 90, but she is much fitter and healthier than many younger people.”

To sponsor Mrs Harding, call Mrs Pugh on 01206 579911.