While most teenagers might ask for a new phone, laptop or money for their 18th birthday, Ryan Cawley chose to plunge thousands of feet from an aeroplane for charity.

Ryan, from Chatham , took the skydive plunge on his milestone special day and raised £360 for Help for Heroes.

The former Greenacre Academy pupil decided to support the armed forces charity in memory of his grandfather, who served in the RAF.

Ryan has also been moved by the plight of some ex-servicemen whom he believes have not been treated fairly by society after serving their country.

And he also has an ambition to join the air forces as a weapons technician.

Ryan, who lives in Silverweed Road, Weedswood, said: "I loved it and would do it again. I'd also like to do a wing walk for charity."

Mum Julie Cawley said: "It came out of the blue when I asked what he wanted. He's always been a bit of a daredevil. I'm very proud of him.

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"Every year Ryan sees the Poppy Appeal on television and wants to help people who gave up their lives."

Ryan is currently looking to take up an apprenticeship in mechanical engineering.

Julie, twin sister Joanne Darch and their mother June Sadler watched Ryan's challenge at Headcorn Airfield.

She said: "Mum's not been well and we didn't think she'd make being there. It certainly made her day."

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