A FIREFIGHTER is taking to the skies in a sponsored free-fall tandem parachute jump to raise money for victims of hurricane Katrina.

Gary Rodwell, a Cleveland Fire Brigade workshop technician, will be leaping into action next Sunday, at Shotton Airfield, in aid of the Katrina Hurricane Relief Fund.

Other fundraisers will be joining Mr Rodwell on the jump, which involves training on the ground before a free-fall jump attached to an instructor.

He said: "After we have jumped out of the plane at 13,000ft, we will be free-falling for about 50 seconds before the parachute opens and we glide to the ground - hopefully.

"I've never done anything like this before, but there's a first time for everything - it will be the ultimate buzz. I heard about the jump through a friend and decided I would like to do it to help raise money for the victims of the hurricane."

To sponsor Mr Rodwell, call him on 07913 364873.