Basildon-born Matt Martin was one of the star attractions at the Southend Airshow as he hurtled towards the beach at 120mph.

Matt and the rest of the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team helped round off the two-day spectacular, which drew thousands of fun-lovers to the town.

His sister, Kerry Smith, who still lives in Basildon, waved him off as he and the crew took off from Southend Airport for their awesome performance.

She was then whisked away to see 30-year-old Matt make a perfect landing on a patch of beach only yards wide after skilfully parachuting 6,000ft.

Dropping in - the RAF Falcons jump over Southend

Daredevil - Basildon-born Matt Martin

Pictures: LUAN MARSHALL

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.