A PENSIONER is preparing to conquer her fear of heights by taking part in a zip wire ride across the River Tyne next month.

Rita Lawson, 60, of Eastlea Avenue, Bishop Auckland, will raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care on Saturday, October 13.

She wanted to sign up after her daughter's mother-in-law, Pam Moon, died from cancer in February.

Her grandchildren - twins Rebecca and Emily, aged eight - have already sponsored her by donating all of their pocket money.

Mrs Lawson said: "I have always been terrified of heights, but I am determined to conquer my fears in memory of Pam.

"My daughter, Helen, her husband, Andrew, and my grandchildren, who live in Leicester, will be travelling up to see me take part in the zip and I can't wait to show them what their grandma can do."

The zip wire takes participants from the Newcastle side of the Tyne Bridge across the river to land on the Gateshead bank.

Money raised will be used to provide free nursing care for cancer patients.

Marie Curie Cancer Care fundraiser Linda McDonough said: "We would encourage everyone to join Rita and support our work across the North-East."

For more information, or to register to take part, contact 0191-382-3311.