UK parachute company visits `Quantum of Solace` set, supplies 007

The name's Thomas, Chris Thomas, and his company has made the parachute which will be used in the new James Bond film.
And he even got to meet the man himself, actor Daniel Craig, on the set of the movie Quantum Of Solace at Pinewood Studios - reports the Bridlington Free Press.

Chris is the owner of Thomas Sports Equipment Ltd on Pinfold Lane Industrial Estate in Bridlington, which has been manufacturing parachutes for more than 40 years.

His products have been used in a number of films, including The Eagle Has Landed and the famous scene in Bridget Jones: The Edge Of Reason when actress Renee Zellweger's character lands in a muddy field.

Chris cannot give away any details of the storyline of the new 007 film, but said of his visit: "It's great stuff. Daniel Craig has got a fair bit of charisma and a great presence.

"Our main line of business is sports and military parachutes and 90% of what we manufacture is exported all over the world.

"The TV and film work is a nice part of the business but it is not what keeps the wolf from the door."

Chris, who is hoping to be elected as a new Lord Feoffee, took over the business from his dad Lofty 16 years ago.

The team of nine make around 500 parachutes every year, each with an average price of around £400.

Chris is a veteran of more than 7,500 skydives and viewers of Top Gear saw one of his Union Jack-design parachutes in a recent episode.

He made the emergency equipment for Sir Richard Branson's around-the-world hot air balloon attempts, has represented Britain's national parachuting team and is vice president of the European Association for Safety Parachutes.

Thanks to `Lipservice` for the alert.

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