HYPNOTIST David Knight has launched an appeal for volunteers to take part in a world record.

Next week, he will be making an attempt to set a world record by hypnotising 30 people in under six minutes.

Mr Knight, who claims to be one of the fastest stage hypnotists in the world, is staging the attempt to raise money for the Ann Teasdale Appeal.

Mrs Teasdale, from Newton Aycliffe in County Durham, is fighting the crippling condition reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome.

The 42-year-old mother-of-four, who has had one leg amputated, is preparing to fly to the US for specialist treatment aimed at preventing her other leg from having to be removed.

The attempt will take place at Redworth Hall Hotel,which is between Darlington and Bishop Auckland, next Thursday, but Mr Knight is appealing to more people to come forward to be hypnotised or to act as catchers.

He said: "To achieve this record I will have just 10.9 seconds to hypnotise each person.

"We need to find about 50 volunteers to make a new world record.

"Hypnotised volunteers will receive free entrance and a certificate of recognition for the world record attempt, so please come along and take a trance on me."

Anybody interested in taking part in the record attempt is asked to call Helen Rickaby, on (01325) 320409.

Tickets cost £7.50 and can be booked by calling (01325) 308057. They will also be available at the door.

For more information visit the www.davidknight.co.uk website.