HUNDREDS of people will be closing their eyes and gritting their teeth in the interests of a charity over the weekend.

So far, 300 people have signed up to do an 800ft so-called death slide to raise money to save the lives of leukaemia sufferers.

They will be taking part in the first zip slide from the top of Middlesbrough's Transporter Bridge, in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust.

The charity hopes to raise at least £30,000 but says the event could realise as much as £50,000.

Charity manager Peter Finnigan said: "It is going to be an incredible event - tailor-made for adrenalin junkies and something that has never been done before.

"But there is a very serious point behind this. We urgently need money to add people to our register of donors and thereby offer more very ill patients the chance of life."

There is a £10 entry fee and a minimum £100 in sponsorship to take part in the slide. Call (01555) 660388 for an entry form.