A daring headteacher has conquered his fear of heights by plummeting down to earth at 125mph to raise money for a new pupil support centre in Llanidloes.

Daniel Owen, headteacher of Llanidloes High School, skydived from 10,000 ft as part of efforts to raise funds for the brand new Pupil Support ‘Cymorth’ Centre’ and an extension of the school’s Autistic Spectrum Centre.

Mr Owen has so far raised more than £5,000 from the skydive near Swansea.

“Plunging towards the earth at 125mph whilst hoping the bit of cloth attached to someone else’s back would hold our joint weight wasn’t exactly my idea of fun. Having said that, the views of the Gower peninsula from three miles up are truly breathtaking.

“More importantly, we’ve really kick-started our fundraising efforts. Our wonderful ‘Friends of Llanidloes High School’ – who organised the skydive – have been amazed and humbled by the generosity of members of our marvellous local community.”

He added: “Local businesses, charitable organisations and pupils have pulled together to help us meet the needs of some the most amazing, wonderful children you could ever wish to meet.”