DURHAM'S Chief Constable Mike Barton is taking a leap for charity, by jumping out of a plane.

He will take part in the tandem skydive with the Red Devils to raise cash for Police Treatment Centres, which look after thousands of injured and ill police officers every year.

Almost 4,000 serving and retired officers attend one of the two treatment centres each year, at either St Andrews, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, or Castlebrae in Auchterarder, Perthshire.

The dive is being organised by the England Police Rugby Union side, for which Mr Barton holds the role of Chairman.

Mr Barton said: “I am sure I’ll be wondering what on earth I’m doing when I’m sat waiting to go out of the plane door.

“But it is a great idea and a great cause so I hope people will put their hand in their pockets to help raise as much as possible.”

Mr Barton will make the leap on Wednesday, August 3 at Langar Airfield, Nottingham.

Anyone who wishes to support him should visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MikeBarton2