AN EAGLE took flight 53 metres off the ground to help safety test a part of the new Weymouth Sea Life Tower.

But no birds of prey were harmed – the task was gladly undertaken by Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, former Olympic ski jumper, who dangled from a safety harness in the wind and rain.

Mr Edwards, 48, was roped in for final testing ahead of the tower’s opening on June 22.

He climbed into the harness system which will help get guests safely to the ground should the observation deck ever fail.

In the unlikely event the observation deck fails there are a number of options for getting guests safely back down to the ground, including via the harness pulley system.

Eddies said: “Being lowered down in the harness and putting my life in someone else’s hands was a new experience for me.

“Although I’m sure it looked daunting I did feel completely safe and was more than happy to help. I definitely give it my Eagle seal of approval.”

It was after reading that Eddie had been snubbed for the Torch Relay in his native Gloucestershire, that Sea Life thought of inviting him.

Craig Dunkerley, general manager of the tower, said: “The original plan was simply to get Eddie to make the first official ascent – to ‘carry the torch’ for all those passengers who will soon be enjoying spectacular views.

“Then I remembered we needed to test the escape winch, even though we hope and trust we’ll never need to use it in a real emergency, and Eddie seemed like the perfect fit.”

The descent didn’t faze the former Olympian who was the was the only British entrant in the Calgary Olympic ski jump contest and soared his way into the hearts of the nation, despite finishing last.