STAFF at a Bishop Auckland opticians are setting their sights sky high as they prepare for a fundraising parachute jump.

Eileen Wren, Nicola Ebden and Jon O'Neil, who all work at Specsavers in Bishop Auckland, take to the skies next month to support Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Their 10,000ft plunge could bring in more than £1,000 with support from colleagues, customers and suppliers.

Other members of staff have pledged £300, Specsavers in Northallerton has given £100, clients have donated £70 and two of the store's contact lens suppliers have pledged £150 each.

Mrs Wren said: "I've flown a plane before, but I've never jumped out of one. It is quite a daunting prospect so I try not to think about it too much. The more money we raise, the more will be fed back directly to Guide Dogs, so we're incredibly grateful for any donations."

Store director Tim Mitchison said: "We're all behind Eileen, Nicola and Jon. It's not every day someone volunteers to jump out of a plane, even if it is for charity. We're extremely proud of them and will be supporting them all the way."

The jump is at Shotton Colliery airfield on Sunday, March 6. The store has already raised £1,000 for Guide Dogs by collecting old mobile phones and donating money instead of sending Christmas cards.

Specsavers aims to raise more than £100,000 nationally to help train 20 dogs.