Callum launched himself from 853ft-high bridge

A DAREDEVIL bungee jumper from Perth has become one of the first people ever to dive off the highest footbridge in the world.

Callum Lewis, 25, got the opportunity to bungee jump off the 853ft-high Zhangiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in China after helping set it up.

The jump site took four weeks to complete and on May 26 the thrillseeker was allowed to trial it.

The company Go! Bungy China hosted a freestyle bungee jump event that was broadcast live on Chinese TV.

The bridge was finished in 2016 and stretches 1,410ft between two cliffs in the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Callum said: “It’s such a weird thing. It’s like you have a lot of time to think during the first five to six seconds then after the cord stretch, you have about 14 seconds until it stops. I was quite happy and confident when I was asked to do it – bit nervous to start with but it’s the best feeling in the world.”

When it opens, it will be the world’s highest public bungee jump. Callum, who has a certificate in outdoor adventure leadership, previously worked for Highland Fling Bungee at Killiecrankie.

He said when he was asked about the opportunity to take on the challenge of creating the jump in China, it was a chance he could not turn down.

Callum has also worked on sites for thrill seekers in New Zealand and Japan but says his mum still thinks he is a “bit mental”.

He said: “I asked her to come and try it when I first started jumping about three years ago. She didn’t want to do it but my sister and dad did.”