Pictures as 32 people brave dizzying heights to save town’s clock tower

32 people braved dizzying heights in order to abseil down Rishton Tower  - but it was all for a great cause.

The group, which included councillors, gathered at St Peter and St Paul’s Parish Church to abseil down its 85-foot tall tower.

The aim of the event was to raise the £7,500 needed to repair the tower.

Father Eddie Carr said: “What a fantastic day it turned out to be.

"I was amazed by how many people joined us for the celebration service in the morning and then when I stepped outside and saw the crowds waiting for the abseil it was overwhelming.

“The church tower gently dominates our village skyline, symbolising our efforts to put the church at the heart of community life.

"It was great that people from all walks of life joined us on Sunday and I hope everyone can feel a part of the campaign to secure the church tower for generations to come.”

Conservative candidate for Hyndburn, Sara Britcliffe, was one of the people who braved the challenge.

She said: “I am still shaking but I’m proud of myself for getting down.

“Huge well done to everyone else who has braved the abseil today in Rishton and for everyone who stood at the bottom giving the well-needed morale boost.”

Hyndburn Council deputy leader, Councillor Noordad Aziz, said: “I did it and this is someone from who is petrified of heights.

“Thank you to everyone’s encouragement and kind words. This highlights the very best of our community.”

More than £3,000 has been raised on the church’s Crowdfunder. The tower is “badly in need of repointing” to stop water getting in to the building.

The fundraiser said: “Water ingress has already caused significant damage to the stones and rotted through wooden floors.

"All money raised will help pay for the repairs to the tower to secure it for generations to come.”

You can donate to the Crowdfunder by searching 'Rishton Tower Abseil' on: www.crowdfunder.co.uk.