WHEN he volunteered for a charity parachute jump daredevil Mark Calland didn't realise he'd catch the high-flying bug.

But five years after that first leap in aid of the Bulls Head at Astley, Pendlebury Children's Hospital fund-raiser Mark is the first man in Britain to travel at over 300mph in competition.

Not content with that the 40-years-old sales engineer is now aiming to be the fastest speed sky diver on earth after last year finishing fifth in the World Cup in France.

Then when that ambition is achieved, hopefully by the end of summer, his next goal is to be the first to reach a 500kph (312mph) average over a measured 1kilometre drop.

Mark, who lives in Alfred Road, Lowton with partner, Sara and 12-years-old son, Louis, started his unusual sports career indoor climbing and downhill racing mountain bikes.

He gave those up and has now joined the elite band of sky divers who compete in the fastest, non-motorised sport in the world.

He said: "Regulars at the Bull knew I was a bit barmy when they asked me to take part in the charity parachute jump. I decided to give it a go and was gripped. I've never looked back."

In preparation for his record attempts Mark has been researching at Manchester University and the BBC which has promised to help him in his bid.

In return he will give a talk to students on the thrills of sky diving.

He believes the secret of success could be clothing and hopes to develop a new, streamlined flying suit after experiments with Professor Norman Wood in the university's wind tunnel.

Mark, who flies from Grange-over-Sands, said: "Record attempts are made from 13,000ft and the speed is measured

between 8,500ft and 5,500ft.

"When a diver freefalls less wind drag means greater speed and maintaining the perfect position is most important. Even a finger sticking out can slow a diver down by 20-30mph.

"People ask why jump out of a plane when it's going to land five minutes after you've leapt out, but it's the buzz. I'm now chasing my dream to become the world's fastest human, and I'd like to thank my company, Airtec Filtration Ltd, of St Helens, for all their backing."