THE cast of the popular television series Band of Brothers were reunited in Devon to jump out of a plane yesterday.

The stars of the drama series that brought the realities of the Second World War to our screens were transported from their hotel in military vehicles to the Dunkeswell Airfield to take part in a charity skydive.

It was held to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the release of the Steven Spielberg classic.

Several members of the cast jumped out of the aircraft in full view of several fans who had turned out to see them.

The event was called Jumping For Heroes, with proceeds going to the Richard Winters Leadership Project, which is raising money for a special leadership monument to be erected in Normandy.

Among those on the show taking part were Matt Hickey, Nolan Hemmings, Nick Aaron, Doug Allen, George Calil, Peter McCabe, Philip Barantini and Bart Ruspoli.

Event organiser Ross Owen and the son of Smokey Gordon, who was one of the veterans portrayed in the series, made up the team.

Mr Owen said he came up with the idea after interviewing crew for his internet radio show. He said: "It was amazing. I was nervous but then we all said we want to do it again.

"I loved it and you cannot describe the adrenalin buzz."

The jump took place in collaboration with the annual two day Wings & Wheels event at Smeatharpe airfield, formerly Upottery airfield, where the original men of Easy Company, the men the actors played in Band of Brothers, embarked to Normandy. The cast also attended the event to sign autographs and meet fans.

In 1943, the regiment crossed the Atlantic for England and trained in Wiltshire.

Then in May 1944, the majority of the paratroopers were taken to their D-Day departure base, Smeatharpe, near Upottery. It was close to a second base used by the US forces, Dunkeswell.

Mr Owen said: "The location of the jump was an obvious choice because of the link to the series. A soon as I suggested the idea everyone was on board.

"Some of the cast have kept in contact but this is the first time that this many have come together at once.

"It was a very enjoyable day and was a great success."

Mr Owen said a similar event was being planned some time in the near future in Los Angeles for the American cast.