Here are photos to show how Chorley Mayor Margaret Lees conquered her fear for Derian House

Chorley Mayor, Margaret Lees, faced her fear of flying by going up in a microlight plane to raise money for Derian House.

The 70-year-old is not only terrified of flying – normally needing medication from the doctor to even consider boarding a flight – but she is also petrified of heights.

She said: “When I was approached about raising money for my charities by taking a microlight flight, I was struck dumb.

“Then out of my mouth came the sound ‘yes, go on then’. I couldn’t believe I had agreed as I also have a real fear of heights. I must be totally insane. But if this can raise funds for Derian House – a fantastic local charity – then as the First Citizen of Chorley, I will do it.

“The scenery was amazing but I’ll never ever do that again, it was pretty scary for me but I’m cock-a-hoop that I raised more than £1,000 for Derian.”

The Mayor flew from St Michael’s airfield near Garstang and was airborne at 1,500ft for around 40 minutes.

The Mayor has beat her fund-raising goal of £1,000.

To help her raise more, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/margaret-lees1