DAREDEVILS have spent the weekend raising money with an adrenaline-fuelled leap from a North-East landmark.

More than 450 charity fundraisers took part in a death-defying zip wire over the River Tyne from the Baltic Centre in Gateshead.

The event, on Saturday and Sunday, was to raise money for the Stroke Association.

Sarah Charlton, 35, a teacher from Gateshead, took part in the 918ft slide from the 1,000ft arts centre with her sisters and friends on Saturday.

Together they raised over £650 for the charity.

Miss Charlton said: “It was pretty scary sitting on the ledge waiting to go but once I jumped off it was exhilarating.

“It was an amazing experience and all for a great cause.”

More than 5,500 people have a stroke in the North-East each year, and more than 16,200 people in the region are living with a disability after a stroke.

Funds raised through the zip slide will help the Stroke Association continue to offer vital services to stroke survivors and their families.

Vicki Wray, a spokesman for the charity, said: “We believe in life after stroke together we can conquer stroke.

“We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke.

“We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers.

“We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can.”

The Stroke Helpline, 0303-303-3100, provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at www.stroke.org.uk