TWO wheelchair users are to take to the skies in an effort to raise money for a carers' centre.

Michael Dalton and Steven Pawley will be taking the controls of an aircraft in a fundraising event for the Sedgefield Locality Carers Centre, in Newton Aycliffe.

Steven's father, Frank Pawley, who is outreach development officer at the centre, said the flight would take place on June 13, to raise the profile of the service during National Carers Week.

He said: "Michael and Steven will be going to Teesside Airport and they will help to take the aircraft up to 2,000 feet.

"They will take it around a circuit, perhaps over Newton Aycliffe, or where Steven lives in Richmond, before coming back and helping to land it at the airport."

The cost of the flight has already been paid for by sponsorship from the centre's Friday morning group, so anything the intrepid duo raise from now will go to centre funds.

This will be the second time Steven has taken part in such an event. But for Michael, who is also deputy mayor of Great Aycliffe Town Council, it will be his first time.

The event is the centrepiece of two weeks of campaigning for the centre, starting with National Volunteers week from June 4 to 8.

Activities during carers week, from June 11 to 17, include a health promotion day, a market stall in Newton Aycliffe town centre, a male health promotion day and an evening of entertainment.

For details contact the centre on (01325) 313123 or 308100.