Tom Cruise has been awarded the Guinness World Record for “most burning parachute jumps by an individual” for a stunt performed for his latest film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning.

During production of the film, the 62-year-old star leapt out of a helicopter 16 times while strapped to a parachute pre-soaked in fuel and lit ablaze.

Each time he then cut away the charred remnants of the burnt chute before safely deploying a backup.

In a statement, Guinness World Recordseditor-in-chief Craig Glenday said: “Tom doesn't just play action heroes – he is an action hero!

“A large part of his success can be chalked up to his absolute focus on authenticity and pushing the boundaries of what a leading man can do. It's an honour to be able to recognize his utter fearlessness with this new Guinness World Records title.”