Six staff from NatWest's Holsworthy Branch have thrown themselves out of a plane, reaching speeds of 120mph as they fell 15,000 ft, to raise money for Children's Hospice South West. The branch team were joined by local NatWest Business Manager, Julian Baker, and the husband of Caroline Hawking, part time Manager of NatWest's Holsworthy Branch, who used the occasion to help celebrate his 40th birthday.

Spurred on by sponsorship from customers, colleagues, friends and family alike, many of whom were there on the day to cheer them on, the eight braved the Tandem Sky Dive at Dunkeswell Airfield near Honiton. Generous donations are still pouring in, but they hope to have raised over £2,500 for the local charity.

Commenting on the experience, Caroline Hawking said: "At 15,000 ft, when the moment comes to jump, you just wonder what on earth you are doing — especially since I'm scared of heights! But then you think of why you are doing it and realise that the care the Hospice gives is so essential and compared to what the people who need it are enduring your fear is nothing. Once you get over the initial shock the experience is amazing. We would all like to say a big thank you to our customers, colleagues, friends and family who have donated so generously and who gave us the push we needed to make that leap."