A LIBRARY assistant is planning to test his head for heights to raise money for charity.

Chris Holmes wants to raise hundreds of pounds for the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) when he abseils down the Baltic, in Gateshead, next Sunday.

Mr Holmes, 20, who works at Darlington's Crown Street Library, was keen to raise money for the RNIB because the library runs two popular reading groups for people with visual impairment, where they meet to listen to audio books.

Mr Holmes said: "I have never done anything like this before. I don't even know if I have a head for heights. The library was looking for volunteers and I thought it was such a good cause that I agreed to take part."

Mr Holmes is hoping library staff and visitors will sponsor him. To support him, call the library on (01325) 462034.