A RETIRED Leominster man proved he had a head for heights when he abseiled down the town's church tower last week.

Arthur Davis, 88, was one of 27 people who took on the challenge of abseiling more than 100 feet to raise money for the Priory Church.

Funds raised in the sponsored activity last Saturday will help pay for the maintenance of the fabric of the building.

Mr Davis, from Leominster, said: "It went really well. I raised £360 which works out at 36p per inch.

"I loved it. The feeling of exposure as I was abseiling seemed to knock 25 years off my age. It was wonderful."

Mr Davis – who celebrated his success with a pie and ale at nearby Wetherspoons – said he hopes to take part in the next abseil in three years time.

Geoff Bricknell, one of the organisers of the event, added that although the total amount raised is not yet known, he is hopeful it will be close to £5,500 – similar to that raised previously.

Credenhill-based Taste of Adventure took charge of the rope work on the day while sponsors, Handley and Hawcutt Funeral Services, supplied refreshments.