THE sky's the limit for a group of West Somerset postmen who are hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charity by breaking a world record.

The four postmen from Williton and Watchet will be joined by one very brave lady to take part in a sponsored world record attempt skydive in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Posties Andrew Copp, Eamon Patton, Michael "Zippy" Shopland and Barry Jones, together with Beckie Reed, of Williton, will be jumping out of a plane with more than 200 other volunteers in a bid to get into the record books.

The skydive is scheduled to take place in Oxford on August 24 - but to take part, each of the five must raise at least £400 in sponsorship.

They decided to take on the challenge in support of Mr Copp's four-year-old son Jonathan, who suffers from cystic fibrosis. Beckie is Jonathan's aunt.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetically inherited disease that attacks the vital organs, particularly the lungs and digestive system.

There is currently no cure for the disease and sufferers currently have a life-expectancy of around 31 years.

The trust is aiming to raise at least £15 million over the next five years to fund vital gene therapy and scientific research into the condition.

Anyone wanting to sponsor any of the five skydivers can make donations through either Williton or Watchet post offices, or by asking them for a sponsorship form while they are out on their rounds.

They have already been given a helping hand from Richard Booze, landlord of the Anchor Inn, in Watchet, who is supplying the group with a minibus and fuel to get them to and from the event.

Photo: Steve Guscott