Store owners are to leap from a plane over the North-East coastline to raise cash for charity.

The traders, all from Park View in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, make their sponsored parachute jump on Sunday, August 31.

They hope to raise more than £3,000 collectively for The Yellow Brick Road, North Tyneside Hospital Special Care Baby Unit, Breast Cancer Care and The Northern Cancer Care and Research Society.

Businesses taking part are Selling Smiles, Megababe Maternity, Amanda Lee and Francesca's Shoes.

Pippa Bowler, from Selling Smiles, said: "I'm really excited about it and hope to raise as much money as possible"

Rebecca Seal, from Megababe Maternity, said: "I'm terrified of heights, but it's a small price to pay if we can raise some money for these worthy charities."

Anyone who wants to pledge sponsorship is asked to contact the group on 0191-280 2522.