THREE pilots are preparing to take to the skies in a light aircraft to fly around the world in aid of African children.
Private pilot Neville Tate, from Eaglescliffe, is to join the one-month trip to Darwin, Australia, to raise awareness of the Orbis charity.
The humanitarian organisation provides treatment and care in Africa to help prevent avoidable blindness, especially in children.
Mr Tate will share the task of piloting the single-engine Sesner 182 during the 9,500 nautical mile journey, making 32 stops along the way.
He said: "Sight is very important to pilots and this is an ideal way to highlight the problems in Africa.
"The trip is called Flight of a Thousand Eyes and we are hoping to raise £20,000 to pay for 1,000 eye operations."
Mr Tate responded to an appeal for a daring pilot in a specialist magazine and will join pilots Sheila Dyson and John Greasley.
The trio will take off on Monday, April 2, from Netherthorpe, near Worksop, and are aiming to reach Darwin, Australia, in early May.
People wishing to make donations are asked contact Orbis at www.orbis.org.uk or by calling the donation line on 0207-608-7270.
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