A tearaway who turned his life around after spending a month of 1950s-style national service is to take part in a skydive in aid of a cancer charity.

Phillip Hodgson, whose experiences were caught on camera for the ITV1 programme Bad Lads' Army, is taking part in the jump with fellow conscripts'.

In July, the Telegraph & Argus reported how Phillip, 22, was back on the straight and narrow after years of court appearances for petty crime and drug use.

Since leaving the camp he has been holding down two jobs and now hopes to start his own business as a plasterer.

His mother, Susan Keen, of Shipley, said she was keen to get as many people supporting the jump as possible.

She said: "He went into that show a boy and came out a man.

"I used to have no end of trouble with him but now he is working and being responsible. It really did him the world of good.

"Like most families, we have had a few members of touched by cancer so I think this is what has motivated him."

During his month at the bootcamp, Phillip found his care-free attitude to life replaced with a strict regime of exercise and discipline.

The routine of 6.15am rises, followed by a cold shower and a basic breakfast proved unbearable to start with, but he said he soon embraced the regimented lifestyle.

Speaking after he had completed the camp he said: "At first it was a real culture shock and I thought the guards were idiots, but the more time I spent there I grew to become grateful to them.

"It has made me a more motivated person and I was happy to complete the full four weeks. I was especially pleased for my mum - it is the first time in a long time she has been proud of me."

Phillip will take part in the jump at an airfield in Norfolk on October 25 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Care.

Anyone who wants to sponsor him should call (01925) 846763.

e-mail: mark.casci@bradford.newsquest.co.uk