STAFF at a Newport store took ambition to new heights this month when they took part in a skydive for animal charity All Creatures Great and Small.

On Sunday four members of staff at the Marks & Spencer Newport Retail Park store jumped out of a plane at 10,000 feet to raise much-needed funds for the sanctuary.

Claire Davies, Grace Channing, Martyn Waters and Samuel May strapped on their parachutes and took the plunge for the animal charity based in South-East Wales, which specialises in the rehabilitation and re-homing of injured, abused, unwanted and orphaned animals.

The sanctuary is funded by public donation and aims to provide animals with a better quality of life, providing them with top quality Veterinary care and helping them avoid pain and unnecessary suffering.

Each M&S store in the country has chosen a charity to support for the year, hosting fundraising events with customers and employees.

In the run-up to the big jump, staff held a host of fundraising activities in-store from bake sales to bag packing.

They have now raised £1,800 for the charity and will continue their fundraising for the rest of the year.

M&S Newport Retail Park store manager Pradeep Patel said: “We are thrilled to be supporting our local charity All Creatures Great and Small. The money raised will go towards a fantastic cause which is close to many of our hearts.”

Coffee shop co-ordinator Claire Daviessaid: “It was the first time any of us had skydived. It was an amazing experience and we are thrilled to have been able to do it for such a great charity. There is still time to donate, so please visit the dedicated Just Giving page to make a donation.”

To donate, visit: justgiving.com/Clairemartingracesam14/