AN experienced skydiver cheated death when her parachute failed to open properly during a record-breaking attempt.

Eye-witnesses today told how Sarah McEwan was seriously injured after the leap from 14,000 feet went wrong.

Sarah, who works for Blackburn with Darwen Council was in Langar, Nottingham, as part of the BritChick team attempting to break a UK freefall record.

But the 35-year-old from Chorley, who has successfully completed more than 550 jumps, suffered a broken leg and suspected spinal injuries when her parachute failed to activate properly.

She was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham by paramedics.

The 60-strong team went on to successfully complete the jump on Saturday, breaking the current record of 50 women.

Sarah, as one of the most experienced skydivers in the team, was meant to form part of the anchor circle from which other jumpers attached by holding each others' ankles and wrists.

Simon Ward, BritChicks organiser, 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 had a bad landing and was taken to hospital.

"She has had a lucky escape but it is just one of those things you accept may happen with such a dangerous sport."

Before taking part in the event, Sarah said: "The dangerous part is having so many jumpers in the sky at once and finding enough space to move away and open your chute.

"Sky diving was just something I fancied trying but you do one jump and get hooked."

A spokesperson for Nottingham ambulance service said: "A woman was taken from the airbase to QMC on Friday suffering a broken leg and suspected spinal injuries."

Sarah works at Blackburn with Darwen Council's Access to Progress team, providing support services for children with special needs.