SPORTS mad Dennis “Dickie” Bird said jumping from a plane was a “one-off” special moment.

The 70-year-old took the parachuted plunge to celebrate his birthday on August 30 and raise money for charity.

Dickie, of Wivenhoe, said: “It was wonderful. It couldn’t have gone smoother, considering the weather and logistics of it. We left in the pouring rain in the morning and by the time I knew it, I was up, up and away.”

Dickie was watched by his wife Dawn and son Simon as he fell from 10,000ft in Beccles Airfield, Suffolk.

The granddad-of-five said: “I didn’t feel nervous until I registered to jump.

“I had a moment where I thought ‘hang on’ and the nerves kicked in. But once I stepped into the plane and jumped, it was awesome and landing was perfect.”

Dickie raised £900 for his charity Christians in Sport where he assists with sports camps for 11 to 17-year-olds during the summer.

To sponsor Dickie go to sponsorme.co.uk/dickiebird/sky-diving-event