A County Durham store manager joined two colleagues in raising more than £6,000  for charity by performing a daredevil stunt.

Alan Hutchinson, manager at Poundland's Bishop Auckland store walked along the wing of a flying plane while strapped to a safety harness.

Craig Leigh and Maureen Hards, store manager and assistant store manager at the Teesside Park branch, joined Alan in raising money for the Poundland Foundation charity.

Craig Leigh, store manager at Teesside Park; Maureen Hards, assistant store manager at Teesside Park; and Alan Hutchinson, store manager at Bishop Auckland preparing to set off on their wing walk challengeCraig Leigh, store manager at Teesside Park; Maureen Hards, assistant store manager at Teesside Park; and Alan Hutchinson, store manager at Bishop Auckland preparing to set off on their wing walk challenge (Image: POUNDLAND FOUNDATION)

The money raised will go towards the Poundland Foundation’s current charity partners: Family Action, Make-A-Wish UK, Tommy’s, Trussell Trust, and Whizz-Kidz. The money has already helped to send children with life-threatening illnesses go to the Formula 1 Grand Prix at Silverstone.

After acing a charity skydive the year before, the trio were ready to face their fears yet again in aid of Poundland’s charity partners.

Despite the challenge being a flying success, Alan and Craig had work to put in before they could even step foot on the plane, losing a combined three stone in order to make sure that they could qualify to take part.

Craig and Maureen prepare for their challengeCraig and Maureen prepare for their challenge (Image: POUNDLAND FOUNDATION)

Alan said: “I should have been sponsored for the weight loss if i had thought about it!”

And while Alan likened the experience to “a rollercoaster”, and Maureen described the walk as “relaxing”, colleague Craig didn’t share their views.

He said: “I felt sick last year on the skydive and I felt sick again on the wing walk, but it’s all for charity.”

Maureen gets strapped in as she gets ready for the thrilling experienceMaureen gets strapped in as she gets ready for the thrilling experience (Image: POUNDLAND FOUNDATION)

Maureen added: “I’ve wanted to do it for some time, and I love doing things for charity. It’s my way of giving back.

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Lucy Ruff Poundland’s Foundation Manager said “It’s nothing short of inspiring to see how many Poundland colleagues are going above and beyond to support the important work we’re doing at the Poundland Foundation.

“We couldn’t be prouder of Maureen, Alan and Craig who’ve all been so brave overcoming their fears to complete these brilliant challenges.

"All of the money they’ve raised will be used to support children and their families across the country who need it most, which is what drives us to continue what we do, day in, day out.”