Rev Hughes, who was born in Middlesbrough, had served with the Coldstream Guards and the Royal Highland Fusiliers, before leaving the army to become a clergyman and Territorial Army chaplain.

The Canon Alan Hughes MBE, chaplain for the Northumbria Army Cadet Force and for Northumbria University's Officer’s Training Corps.

In July 1985, Rev Hughes conducted his 13th jump with 4 Para - the 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment. At the time he was also working as a vicar at All Saints Church in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire, whilst serving as a Territorial Army chaplain to the regiment.

In his time the former Red Devil member has performed skydives with his wife, Susan, static jumps from hot air balloons and other daring jumps; including from the wings of a plane.

The fearless chaplain and vicar of Berwick gave up skydiving at 55, about 15 years ago, but has had his service as army chaplain extended until his 70th birthday next year (2016). In 2021 Canon Alan Hughes was made Sheriff of Berwick Upon Tweed.

Information taken from The Northern Echo, 21 June 2015 edition with images and additional information from Canon Alan Hughes and The Guards Para Association.  

In 2021 Canon Alan Hughes was made Sheriff of Berwick Upon Tweed.