NEWTON Abbot postman Mike Leaman is jumping for joy after raising £1,028 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People by skydiving out of an aircraft at Dunkeswell, near Honiton, at 10,000 feet. Never one to shirk a challenge, the postie, well known for his charity fundraising, also brought in £1,500 from a charity auction and entertainment at Leusdon Memorial Hall last month and with pledges still to come he hopes the eventual total will top £3,000. He was joined by five others on the parachute team, among them Cris Bifani, of Chagford, Ian Mayhew, of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, and Margaret Rogers, the Hearing Dogs South West organiser, who stepped in at the last minute when one member was unable to continue. Before setting off for the jump, Mr Leaman (centre) is pictured with the parachute team and members with their hearing dogs. 'I would like to thank everyone who supported us on the day, and all those who gave sponsorship, and the members who brought the hearing dogs along,' said Mr Leaman, who also thanked those who supported the charity auction. 'It would not have been such a success without the help of the friends and family of the Widecombe Parish Social and Entertainment Club, who donated £400. 'Special thanks are also due to Peter Farnsworth, of Rendells auctioneers, who knocked 'em down, Simon Guest, the Leusdon Jethro, Bob Grose, of BBC's DIY SOS, for witty assistance, and the excellent band Full Moon Fever,' he added.