A CHARITY event like few others was enjoyed near Blackwood yesterday when eight RAF Falcons jumped from 10,000 feet on to a golf course below to raise money for Help For Heroes.

As part of a charity golf day at Bryn Meadows Golf, Hotel and Spa yesterday, the parachute display team jumped on to the course below in spectacular fashion.

Widely recognised as the UK’s premier military parachute display team, the Falcons, based at RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, display at venues all over Britain and Europe throughout the year.

Deputy mayor of Caerphilly council Cllr Leon Gardiner was among those who turned out to watch the display.

He was joined by around 200 other spectators before he greeted the members of the team upon their landing, including Corporal Ryan Norris fromTredegar.

Organiser James Airth said it was the first time the golf club had done such an event, but due to its great success they hope to do it again next year.

He said: “What other golf tournament starts with parachuting?”

“We had four of the parachute team jump thousands of feet on to the course itself and then proceed to play a round of golf.

“The idea behind it was the fact that they are all in the forces and it is part of getting people to take part.”

College photography students also attended to take photos of the jump, while the team members themselves also took some shots on their descent.

The golf tournament, which saw more than 70 golfers take part, was followed by an auction and a presentation. The winners of the golf tournament were awarded polished and engraved artillery shells brought back from Afghanistan.

Mr Airth said £4,880 had been raised.

“It is not just for the lads who lost their lives,” he said. “It is for the boys who have lost limbs and their families.”

“I would like to thank all the golf clubs who donated a fourball voucher.”