AN IRONING enthusiast has pledged to take on the unpopular chore for other people to raise money for charity.

Gillian Page, of Gort Place, Gilesgate, in Durham, has been so impressed with the support that Durham Area Disability gives her autistic son, that she has decided to raise money for the charity by doing people's ironing.

Ms Page said she hit upon the idea after hearing people say how much they hated the chore. So over the next six months she will charge people £5 to iron a bag of laundry.

She hopes to raise enough to enable Durham Area Disability Leisure Group to take her son and other disabled youngsters on their annual weekend away.

"I like ironing," said Ms Page. "I was just trying to think of some ways to raise funds because of the things Durham Disability does for my son.

"They have taken them for a weekend away for the last two years and they usually get funding from different places but, obviously, these things run out and there will be disappointment if they can't go."

Ms Page said her 13-year-old son, Barry, was autistic, and had learning and emotional difficulties, but through the charity, based in Chester-le-Street, he can take part in activities such as trampolining, quad bike and horse riding and go-karting.

The charity has helped to boost his confidence, provided support for Ms Page, and has given him the chance to make friends near his home.

Group co-ordinator Lynne Watson said: "I think she needs a medal or an MBE.

"We've even tried to talk her out of it. David Blaine spent 44 days in a box, but I bet he wouldn't spend six months ironing."

Anyone wanting to use the ironing service is asked to contact the group on 0191-389 1666.