Newcastle Evening Chronicle reporter Owen McAteer has had his legs waxed for the paper's Sunshine Fund charity.

The dare was the latest challenge that Owen has faced as part of the Chronicle's fund raising activities, after previously taking part in a fun run dressed in a clown's suit.

Owen said: "I expected the waxing to be agony and the photographer with me was quite looking forward to it.

"I felt it, but there was such a big build up that it wasn't quite as painful as I'd expected."

"I've been doing all the coverage of the Sunshine Fund so I got roped into it again - I don't think anyone else would do it."

Staff at the Newcastle and Team Valley offices have also held cake stalls and sponsored walks for the charity.

The Sunshine Fund pays for equipment for sick and disabled children in the North East and is now more than £1,000 better off thanks to the efforts of Chronicle staff.

One of the latest children to benefit from the Sunshine Fund is ten-year-old Liam Wright of South Shields, who was presented with a computer to help him with his dyslexia and autism.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk