Britain's oldest stuntman has survived a 40ft plunge from a burning building - 26 years after a similar leap almost cost him his life.

But on Tuesday Rocky Taylor, who has doubled for Roger Moore and Sean Connery in James Bond films, exorcised his demons by executing the copycat stunt perfectly in front of hundreds of onlookers at Battersea Power Station.

The jump was staged to raise money for Remember A Charity, an organisation which encourages people to leave gifts to charities in their wills.

Mr Taylor, of Cobham, Surrey, said: "I was incredibly nervous when I was standing on the building with the flames behind me.

''It brought back everything which happened all those years ago. But it felt good to jump.

''It was something I had to do and I'm glad to have finally done it again and got it out of my system.''

The 64-year-old's career almost ended on the set of Michael Winner's Death Wish movie at Lambeth Hospital in June 1985.

Doubling as Charles Bronson, he was supposed to leap from a building as petrol sprinklers were ignited all around him.

But a huge explosion rocked the site engulfing Mr Taylor in flames and sending him plummeting to the ground below.

Missing the cardboard boxes which were meant to break his fall, he crashed on to the concrete in front of horrified cameramen.

He spent eight weeks in hospital and was unable to work for six year due to three fractured vertebrae.

Mr Taylor, whose wife Pamela, also 64, watched Tuesday's successful jump, eventually recovered and went on to work on a string of movies in 15 countries.

Rob Cope at Remember A Charity said: "Rocky, the true professional and film legend that he is, did every proud last night.

"Not only did he complete the jaw dropping movie stunt from 1985, he also raised awareness of the importance of gifts to charities in wills.

"Without the kindest and generosity of people who leave such legacy gifts most of our favourite charities wouldn't exist."

For more information visit rememberacharity.org.uk.