A Premiership Football club is used to the ups and downs of soccer, but one of the team's players is encouraging fans to head for the drop.

Ray Parlour is calling on Middlesbrough supporters to help raise money for the Anthony Nolan Trust by descending a zip slide from town's Transporter Bridge over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of next month.

Peter Finnigan, of the Anthony Nolan Trust, said: "The slide is nearly 800ft long and you can reach speeds of 40mph. It really does make a huge difference having Middlesbrough Football Club support this event."

The trust needs nearly £14m a year for its lifesaving work. To take part, call organisers on (01555) 660388.