A MOTORBIKING granny is to abseil down the side of a regional landmark to raise money for charity.

Mary Lambert, an 87-year-old from Spittal Tongues, Newcastle, is to abseil 150ft down the Baltic Arts Centre in Gateshead, to raise money for the Royal National Institute For The Blind.

The motorcycle-mad pensioner will be joined on the daredevil escapade by friends from the Geordie Harley Owners' Group, who will escort her to the event on the back of a classic Harley Davidson motorbike.

Mary said: "I can't wait to do the abseil, and I am so excited about arriving on the back of my favourite bike.

"My friend Ken is blind and I understand the challenges that everyday life brings to him and I really want to make a difference"

Event manager Sarah Hetherington said: "Mary is an inspiration to all of us by standing up for what she believes in. I only hope I am that agile when I get to 87."

About 2,000 people are expected to take part in the abseil over the weekend of October 15 and 16.

Anyone interested in taking part is asked to contact the RNIB on 0845 345 0054.