A NORTH-EAST man is a step closer to becoming Britain's first deaf parachute-video-grapher.

Alan Dobson has been parachute jumping since 1998 and was inspired to learn photography after seeing photographs on display at Peterlee Prachute Club.

He joined the City and Guilds photography course at Stockton and Billingham College last September and is ready to capture his parachuting experiences on film.

The 32-year-old, from Thornaby, Teesside, said: "I have just gained my parachuting licence by completing 200 jumps, which means I can now take the camera equipment up with me.

"As far as I am aware I will be the first deaf parachuting videographer in the United Kingdom.

"When I eventually take the camera on a parachute jump I will have to wear a special bat-like suit that helps to slow me down.

"I will need to use a special lightweight helmet with a camera attached, operated by a tongue device."

Through the Internet, Mr Dobson has met deaf parachutists from all over the world and has been invited to take part in a world record attempt in America on August 25.

However, he needs to raise more than £2,000 through sponsorship for the trip and is writing to companies to seek their support.