THE Wiltshire Blind Association has thrown down two challenges to the fit and adventurous of the county to help them fill a gap in funding.

The charity is offering the opportunity for its supporters to undertake a tandem free-fall parachute jump with the famous Red Devils or a Special Forces Challenge weekend, run by former Army Special Forces instructors.

The Red Devils team, who are keen to support the association, are jumping at South Cerney, near Cirencester, and have many dates available for people wishing to experience the jump of a lifetime.

They are asking participants to raise a minimum of £340, with a £40 deposit paid at the time of booking. There is a special deal for those who raise more than £1,000 for the charity. They will get the "special tandem" treatment, including a longer free-fall, the pilot going higher than the usual 14,000 feet, and a free video of their experience.

Then, after arriving safely back on terra firma, the jumper will be treated to a bottle of champagne.

Caroline Langmaid, Wiltshire Blind Association's fundraising officer, said: "Everyone who jumps will receive a certificate and the sincere thanks of the Red Devils and the Wiltshire Blind Association for their support of the charity."

Ms Langmaid, who is no stranger to throwing herself out of planes, added: "This is the ultimate challenge and an unbelievable experience not to be forgotten. I've jumped twice now and each time it has been incredible.

"The thrill of jumping out of a plane at 14,000ft strapped to a Red Devil and then free-falling for 50 seconds not that I was counting was something I'll never forget. The Reds were incredibly good at calming the nerves of someone like me who is afraid of heights."

The jumps are open to anyone between the ages of 16 and 60, as long as they are medically fit, under 15 stone and less than 6ft 3ins.

The second challenge is being run by former Special Forces instructors in Cumbria.

Ms Langmaid has teamed up with the organisers to give companies and individuals a great team-building exercise while also raising money for Wiltshire Blind Association.

The weekend will include such scenarios as a raid and rescue in the style of the SAS, combat survival, escape and evasion, and SAS-style selection.

Ms Langmaid said: "As it's a team builder, you will need to enter up to five people. Don't worry if you can't fill all five places, teams can be made up on arrival."

Weekend dates are currently available on March 18 to 20, April 1 to 3 and May 20 to 22. For details, contact Ms Langmaid on (01454) 777674 or e-mail caroline.langmaid@btinternet.com

The Wiltshire Blind Association does a wide range of work with more than 2,500 registered blind people in the county.

The Association is trying to make good a £21,000 deficit caused when the Royal National Institute for the Blind withdrew funding nearly two years ago due to its own financial problems.