KEN Braithwaite thought he might as well aim high when it comes to fundraising.

Keen to bring in cash for his local church and a cancer charity, he rose to a challenge from fellow Rotary Club members.

And that means that on June 23 he will be walking across the 180ft high Transporter bridge in Middlesbrough.

"I am already getting nervous," said Mr Braithwaite, who will be 64 when the walk takes place. "But I can just about cope with heights."

Mr Braithwaite is treasurer of St Hilda's parish church in Chopgate.

The church is not getting its usual income as it is closed because of the foot-and-mouth crisis. The village hall has also been closed for the same reason, meaning that fundraising events such as coffee mornings cannot be held there either.

So he is being sponsored to raise cash for prostate cancer research and the children's ward at South Cleveland hospital as well as the church.

He hopes to bring in about £200 for each.

Mr Braithwaite will not be alone on his high-level trek. He is a member of Cleveland Rotary club and plans to meet Middlesbrough Erimus president, Mr Mike Robson, half way along at noon.

"It was my idea to do the walk after a bit of a challenge from the Erimus members," he said. "I am a bit nervous, but I did walk across Sydney Harbour bridge last year and that was quite pleasant."

St Hilda's has been closed since March. Worshippers have been meeting at the local Methodist church - one group taking the morning session and the other the afternoons.

"We felt access to the church or the village hall would be unfair to the many farmers in the area while the outbreak continues," said Mr Braithwaite.

Anyone wanting to sponsor his walk can contact him on 01642 778388.