THREE brave members of staff at Margaret Green Animal Rescue at Wingletang took a large leap of faith from an aeroplane at 15,000 feet in the air, to raise money for the refurbishment of the centre's cattery.

Nicola Ging, Garrith Garwood and Hannah Dunn took part in a skydive earlier this month, raising £1,500 towards the ongoing works to the cattery.

Senior animal welfare officer at the rescue centre, Hannah Dunn, said: 'We wanted to do something a bit crazy. I am delighted to say that we all reached the ground safely, though perhaps not elegantly.

'We could not have asked for a more glorious day, the sun was shining and the view was amazing.

'I think I can speak for us all when I say it was the most terrifying but incredible experience of our lives.'

The money raised will help towards the rescue cattery refurbishment, which includes new concrete floors to provide appropriate drainage, refurbishing the interior of the cat pens, and maintaining the side walls and roof.

Hannah said: 'We are tremendously grateful to all of those who have supported us, and offered much needed words of encouragement.'

Work to improve the cattery has been estimated at £10,000.

Anyone who would like to donate towards the funds for the cattery can do so by visiting the Just Giving website http://www.justgiving.com/skydivingforanimals">www.justgiving.com/skydivingforanimals