A taxi driver will be celebrating his birthday this weekend by plunging 12,000ft from the skies for charity.

Mark Pearson hopes to raise £500 for disability charity Mencap during the parachute jump at Weston-on-the-Green, near Bicester.

He read of the charity jump in the Oxford Mail and is now seeking sponsorship to raise as much money as possible.

Mr Pearson, who works for 001 Cars, Oxford, and lives at Greater Leys, will be carrying out the tandem skydive on Saturday, the day before his 34th birthday.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to the challenge. It may sound a little nerve-racking, but I'm sure that the thrill of a lifetime combined with the chance to support children and adults with learning disabilities will make it a fun and worthwhile experience."