DRIVERS have been invited to take up the challenge of testing their skills by driving with their eyes closed - for charity.

Guide Dogs Blind Drive will be held at Nissan in Sunderland from 10am to 3pm on June 10.

The event will help the charity to raise vital funds and help blind and partially-sighted people to lead more independent lives.

Drivers will be ‘assisted’ by drivers from BSM in their dual-controlled cars who are donating their time for free for this great cause.

Blind and partially-sighted participants can also "burn up" the Nissan test track and in previous years have reached speeds of over 90mph.

Participants are asked to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship and those raising over £150 will also have the opportunity to be driven around a heart stopping course in rally cars provided and driven by Innovation Motor Sport drivers.

The event, which is open to anyone over the age of 14, aims to build on the success of previous challenges and raise £1,4000 in sponsorship.

Mark Burnett, mobility team manager for the North-East and Cumbria said: "This is a unique and exciting event which is a fantastic experience for both visually impaired and sighted participants.

"Guide Dogs receives no funding other than that provided by donations and legacies so every penny raised is vital in maintaining the independence and confidence a guide dog affords their visually impaired owner."

To book a place call 08453727423 or newcastle@guidedogs.org.uk.