It's a daredevil feat that council chairmen might not be expected to take part in.

But Nicholas Coppack, chairman of North Norfolk District Council, will launch himself out of a plane in tandem with a professional sky diving instructor in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH).

The two-mile high tandem skydive will see Mr Coppack in free fall for 50 seconds at speeds of more than 120mph.

The jump will take place on May 4 at Beccles Airfield.

EACH cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk and supports their families.

Mr Coppack said: 'EACH offers a lifeline to hundreds of families and is the chairman's charity for the year. I am delighted to have been able to support them over the past year.

'The charity gives families flexibility and control over where care and support is delivered, helping those families through some of the most difficult times they will face.

'I think I'm looking forward to the jump – it might be best to ask me afterwards.'

EACH is soon to replace its Norfolk hospice at Quidenham with a purpose-built facility in Framingham Earl, known as the nook.

The charity relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income and each year needs to raise more than £6m from fundraising and over £4m from its shops. It has around £1.6m left to raise of its £10m public appeal to build the new hospice.

To donate to the charity effort, log on to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nicholas-coppack?