ALISON Hughes is planning a dramatic exit when she takes to the skies on her maiden flight.

For while the novice flyer will be taking off in traditional style, her landing will be more out of the ordinary as Alison is planning to parachute from the aircraft.

Alison, who comes from Shotton Colliery will be dropping from the skies to help raise funds for her village's festival, which is to take place in July. Also taking the plunge for the same cause will be Alison's friend Michelle Hickman.

For the past two months the daredevil duo have been tirelessly persuading people to sponsor their efforts and have already raised £500.

When asked how she was preparing for the big day tomorrow Michelle replied somewhat tongue in cheek: "I have done a couple of jumps off the top of the wardrobe onto the bed and my husband's going to rig up a safety net in the garden so I can have a go off the garage roof."