THREE brave women have thrown themselves out of a plane to raise at least £1,600 for the West Somerset children's play charity CLOWNS.

Staff members Davina Jones-Bartlett and Kathy Morton were joined by childminder Marion Ely to take part in a fundraising skydive at Dunkerswell.

The three donned blue overalls and "very flattering hats" (pictured) in preparation for their plummet earthwards from 15,000 feet, at speeds of up to 120 miles an hour.

Kathy said: "We were introduced to our instructors and then boarded the aircraft, where the instructors strapped themselves to us and tightened the harnesses.

"Once at altitude, the door opened, we felt a rush of air and noise as we edged towards the door.

"We had to kneel in the opening, put our hands together and our heads back . . . off we went experiencing speeds of an adrenaline pumping 120mph from approximately three miles high!"

The instructors even let the women take control of the ropes for a while before making safe landings - bottom first - at the airfield.

"It was exhilarating, breathtaking and an awesome experience - a huge thank you to all who came and supported us and to all who sponsored us," Kathy said.

The trio's exploits have already raised £1,600 to support families across West Somerset, but donations can still be made online via the website http://www.localgiving.com/">www.localgiving.com/ clowns.