A TEACHING assistant who took part in a 11,000m parachute jump in South Africa has raised £400 for a local hospice.

Pamela Birkbeck, who works at Kirkleatham Hall School, was supported in her efforts by pupils and fellow staff members.

Pupils joined Ms Birkbeck, of New Marske, at the school to present a cheque to the Teesside Hospice fundraiser, Jan Marron. The teaching assistant, who is the sister of a staff nurse at the hospice, decided to take part in the jump on April 17 when planning a trip to Johannesburg to visit her daughter.

Joanne Denwood, from the hospice, said: "All along the way Pamela has had the support of her fellow teachers and pupils and felt that a way of thanking them would be to publicise the amount of money they have helped her raise for such a good cause."

Teesside Hospice has jumps planned to tale place throughout the year at Shotton Colliery, near Peterlee, and is urging anyone interested to get in touch quickly as places are being booked.

Participants must raise a minimum amount of £350 in sponsorship.

For details, contact the fundraising team on (01642) 355866.