Carlisle grandmother Karen Gill is taking a leap into the unknown, to help the elderly people she cares for at a city residential home.

Karen, 55, is set to do a tandem parachute jump on Sunday to raise funds for those she looks after at Rosehill Residential Home, on the eastern outskirts of the city.

All of the money raised will help pay for transport, trips out and bringing in entertainers and visitors to interact and stimulate the residents of the home near Aglionby, many of whom suffer from dementia.

Care assistant Karen, who has worked at the Henry Lonsdale Trust home for more than a decade, said: "I thought it would be a bit original rather than doing something like a sponsored walk.

"I've always fancied doing one but it really is outside my comfort zone.

"I've done a bungee jump before, but nothing like this."

Karen's husband James and other members of the family are preparing to travel to Flookborough to support her on Sunday.

Manager Alison Jones is also planning to watch Karen, of Ferguson Road, Longsowerby.

Rosehill Residential Home, graded good by the Care Quality Commission, cares for 40 residents.

Its amenities fund helps pay for a range of activities and visits including transport costs, sensory equipment and entry fees to shows like an annual Christmas pantomime.

Rosehill residents are also familiar faces at local garden centres and places like Oak Tree at Wetheral.

Alison, the home's manager, said: "It is really lovely to see staff who are so dedicated to do something like this.

"Karen doesn't have to do the jump but she has volunteered to do for the residents.

"All of the staff give up their time to help with activities or go out on trips with them.

"Activities and interactions are really important as stimulation for the residents.

"They are all based on a resident's previous life before they came into the home."