A PLUCKY care home resident jumped into the record books to become Britain's oldest female skydiver.

Adeline Franken, aged 94, leapt from 15,000 at Cark Airfield, Flookburgh, harnessed to an instructor.

Mrs Franken, who lives at Abbeyfield Cove House, in Silverdale, swapped the care home's more tranquil activities of flower arranging, music, yoga and knitting for a women's hospital in Ethiopia, to take on the charity jump.

She was inspired to skydive by her passion for the RNLI lifeboats charity and her great respect for its 24/7 volunteer search-and-rescue crew.

"My father-in-law was a captain in the Netherlands Merchant Navy," she said. "His ship was torpedoed on a run from Holland to South America. He and his crew had to be rescued.”

So far the widow, who enjoys taking trips into Silverdale village to attend communion and meet friends for coffee, has raised £541 towards her fundraising target of £1,100.

“I think the RNLI do such a fantastic job,” she said. “If my skydive will help to raise a great deal of money for them, then that’s all that matters.”

Playing down her bravery, Mrs Franken said: "It's just something to do - better than watching paint dry.

"There is nothing to it; you just move towards the edge and kind of flop out. You start to fall, then when you are well clear of the aircraft the parachute opens and you go back up."

Among those who have praised the nonagenarian is RNLI area fundraising manager Adele Sherwood. "Adeline is such an inspirational character and has proved that it’s never too late to try something new," she said.

"The RNLI are so grateful to have such amazing supporters like Adeline, who raise vital funds for our charity and help us save lives at sea.”

Barrow Lifeboat Station has also paid tribute to the 94-year-old, with volunteer press officer Chris Clouter congratulating her on "such an impressive achievement".

Watching Mrs Franken's jump were Ann Epps, vice-chair of the Grange-over-Sands RNLI branch; friends; and Cove House manager Jodie Evans, who said: "We knew Adeline was a bit of a daredevil but we never expected to have her take on a skydive.

"It’s a tremendous achievement for her and one we are all so proud of. The slideshow of photos has also been a real highlight for our other residents to watch."

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/adeline-franken