A PARACHUTIST killed during a jump at Headcorn aerodrome near Maidstone has been named as Peter Leighton-Woodruff, a professional skydiver.

Mr Leighton-Woodruff was one of Headcorn Parachute Club's cameramen. For the past two years he had lived at the aerodrome so as to be close to his work.

He died last Saturday after plunging to his death during a jump in darkness.

Parachute club manager Jane Buckle said: "We are obviously extremely shocked. Everyone's very upset. Peter was a very active and likeable member and was well respected."

It is thought that after leaping from the aircraft at 10,000ft Mr Leighton-Woodruff may have misjudged how close he was to the ground when he attempted a manoeuvre to loose height quickly.

Pete Sizer, the club's chief instructor, said: "It appears that he misjudged his height when he executed his final turn before landing."

Mr Leighton-Woodruff, a single man, was making his fourth jump of the day when the tragedy happened at about 6pm.

An inquest hs been opened and adjourned to await a full report from the British Parachute Association but Kent Police say they were not treating the incident as suspicious.