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These are the incredible images of men and children who quite literally have a head for heights - as they risk their lives in a bizarre bungee jumping ritual.

The bonkers tradition called Land Diving sees young men and boys climb to the top of a wooden tower and throw themselves off it head first, with only pieces of tree vine preventing them from certain death.

The tribal daredevils have just two pieces of vine tied to each ankle, which acts as a bungee cord as they plummet towards the ground from the top of the 30ft high tower.

The wooden towers are built on a hill and as the person jumps the platform beneath them gives way and leaves them swinging by their ankles just inches from the ground.

 

The unusual tradition takes place during April and May in the South Pacific Island of Vanuatu.

It is known locally as the Naghol and is considered a rite of passage for young men on the island.

Photographer Steve Davey was lucky enough to witness the land diving take place on the island and said it was a great experience to be able to capture the ancient tradition on camera.

The 46-year-old from Brixton, London said: ‘I've always wanted to see land diving since I watched it on a David Attenborough documentary when I was a child and it was fascinating to finally witness it in person.

He said: ‘Land diving is a real part of the island's culture, the woman dress in traditional dress and the elder men chant as the men dive from the top of the tower.

‘The tower is just pieces of wood tied together with vines, it takes between two-three weeks to create and features a series of platforms at different heights.

‘It can only be used once because the platform is designed to crack and give way when you jump from it.

Chanzo: Gazeti la Daily Mail la Uingereza