A CHORLEY skydiver has been seriously injured after her parachute failed to open properly during a 14,000ft jump.

Sarah McEwan, 35, from Euxton, was due to take part in a record-breaking jump in Nottingham at the weekend when her chute failed to activate during a practice-run.

She was taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham where she is being treated for a broken leg and suspected spinal injuries.

Sarah has already completed 550 jumps and as one of the most experienced divers, was meant to form part of the anchor circle to which other jumpers attach their ankles and wrists.

Organiser Simon Ward said: "Sarah unfortunately had an accident during one of the six practice jumps.

"There were around 50 women in the sky when Sarah had some kind of parachute malfunction. She has had a lucky escape but it is just one of those things you accept may happen with such a dangerous sport."

Her 60-strong team, the BritChicks, went on to complete the UK Freefall record, breaking the current record of 50 women.

Sarah works at Blackburn with Darwen Council in the Access to Progress Team which provides children with special needs with support.