A British skydiver whose parachute failed survived a 15,000ft fall by landing in a blackberry bush.

Michael Holmes, 25, from Jersey, escaped with a punctured lung and a broken ankle during a jump in Taupo on New Zealand's North Island.

The professional skydiver's parachute became tangled and his reserve failed to open.

But after plunging towards the earth at more than 100mph, Mr Holmes survived by landing in a thick blackberry bush which cushioned his fall.

He escaped with a broken ankle and punctured lung and was today recovering in Waikato Hospital.