EXTREME sports enthusiasts will be going on the piste to raise money for research into auto-immune diseases.

Freestyle snowboard charity competition The Heist is being staged at Wycombe Summit Dry Ski Slope on Saturday.

Organisers say this is going to be the biggest charity dryslope competition to date with more than 55 sponsors so far.

Some of the country's top snowboarders will be competing and registration for the event starts at midday with the competitions from 3pm.

Spokesman Gregor Alton said: "This event is largely a fun competition that will encourage snowboarders of all standards to have a go.

"The day will climax with a Big Air finale on the main slope, followed by prize giving and a firework display over the plastic-coated hilltops."

The Heist has attracted many of its sponsors by the unconventional means of approaching the competition and Gregor promises it is going to be the dryslope snowboarding event of the summer.

It will be a whole day of competitions and fun and should be a good day for those that enjoy the sport or those that actually brave the slopes.

People can just go along on the day and show their support for the event.

Gregor added: "We hope people will turn up on the day and show their support for budding UK athletes competing in a community event which is for a worthy cause."