AN INTREPID council bin man from Wyre Forest will take to the skies later this year to help raise cash for a children’s cancer charity.

Wyre Forest District Council waste operative Ben Bird will leave the streets well and truly behind when he takes part in a sky dive in Swindon on Saturday, May 6.

The 28-year-old father of two from Stourport is taking on the daunting challenge on behalf of Children's Cancer and Leukaemia Group.

It’s not his first daring challenge, having completed a double bungee jump a few years ago.

He hopes to raise at least £1,000 for charity and is already planning his next challenge – a sponsored cycle ride from John O’Groats to Lands End with brother Luke later this year.

Ben said: “I have two young children, Oscar, aged four, and Daisy, aged three weeks. When I heard about the charity’s work to give children suffering cancer and leukaemia a greater chance of survival I wanted to do my bit.

“My wife Nicola fully supports what I’m doing, although she says she’ll be nervous when she watches the skydive on the day!”

Anyone who wants to support Ben by making a donation, can go to his fundraising page at http://www.doitforcharity.com/Benbird