AN INTREPID Barry supermarket store manager will give shop and drop a whole new meaning when he leaps out of an aeroplane for charity.

John Mitchell, manager of the Tesco superstore, Highlight Park, Barry, is preparing for a 12,000ft tandem parachute jump at Swansea Skydive Centre where he hopes to raise around £2000 for the company’s charity of the year – Diabetes UK.

The dad-of-one will take to the air on Sunday, June 8 accompanied by eight fellow skydivers and Tesco colleagues, including wife Alyson, 27, who will join him on the descent over the Gower Peninsula.

John’s grandfather has the condition and store staff– some of whom know people affected – have been generous with their support for their high-flying manager.

The store has organised raffles and collections to push the fundraising total high.

John, 31, said: “One of the store managers wanted to do something and sent out an email. I’ve never done one before so it was a good chance to do it and it will be a big help to our charity of the year.

“I’ve been running and biking, but I’ve not jumped off a chair to work my way up to it. I’m relaxed and looking forward to it. I don’t have any worries with heights, but we will see.”

Staff at the Tesco Highlight Park branch will be collecting funds to raise money for John’s Diabetes UK fundraising effort this weekend.

Donations can be made at the customer services desk, at any time, and raffle tickets – to win a hamper – are also available.

Sponsorship forms can also be completed before and after the event.