Parachutist hurt in display fall

The parachutist was injured while landing. Picture by Ashley Franklin

A parachutist is recovering in hospital with a broken ankle after landing awkwardly while taking part in a jump at a town carnival in Derbyshire.

Paul Jordan, 24, from Sinfin, who is part of the Royal Artillery's Black Knights display team, was hurt in Duffield on Saturday.

Sarah Thelluson, who was at the show with her three children, received a bump on the head as he landed.

Mr Jordan's father Peter said his son's ankle was broken in several places.

He said: "My son does a very good job in the parachute team, I'm very proud of him. Accidents do happen."

I just heard a massive bang and it went black, just for a couple of seconds and then I was on the floor Sarah Thelluson

He added that this was the only accident his son had had in around 980 sky dives.

Ms Thelluson said: "I initially, as I saw him coming down towards us, took a couple of steps away from the ring, but then I turned to run back towards my children to get them out of the way.

"But then I just heard a massive bang and it went black, just for a couple of seconds and then I was on the floor."

Kevin Barke, who was in the crowd, said: "It was like a plane coming towards you. It could have been a lot worse."