A PARAMEDIC with the North-East Air Ambulance is planning to fly a microlight aircraft to Russia to raise money for the rescue service.

John Ker, a member of a rapid response team at Teesside Airport, is joining forces with three friends to take on the flying challenge.

It will take them from Teesside across the North Sea to Norway and then on to Russia, before flying back via Finland and Poland.

Anyone interested in sponsoring the microlight challenge, on June 19, is asked to call (01325) 487263.