Picture Ref: 77226-93A GOOD head for heights was needed during two abseiling challenges in Swindon.

Dozens of people signed up for the Macmillan abseil on Saturday, while James Arkell's sons swung down the side of an old brewery building to raise awareness of a new promotion.

Volunteers, who had to raise a minimum of £100 to take part in the Macmillan event, abseiled 100ft down the side of the WH Smith building in Greenbridge.

Helen Price, 48, who is a consultant paediatrician at the Great Western Hospital's children's cancer clinic, took part for the second year running.

She said: "It's fun and it's a worthy cause.

"I've abseiled six times now and this is one of the tallest buildings I've done.

"Starting off is the hardest part."

On the day, the Royal Artillery Display Troop carried out all instruction and safety checks.

Bombardier Mark Adler, who was helping out, said: "We travel up and down the county and do 20 of these for different charities every year.

"To put people at ease we keep talking to them and have a bit of a joke."

Graziella Campisano, the fund manager for the Swindon Cancer Appeal, said the event was expected to raise thousands of pounds.

"It is the second time we have done this and we are pleased with the turnout," she said.

"With fundraising there are so many things you can do. Events like this help people fulfil a challenge they have always wanted to do."

Arkell's brewery hosted a similar stunt on the same day when director George Arkell abseiled down the front of a building at the brewery in Hyde Road, Stratton.

This was to promote the Great Arkell's Adventure campaign a giant pub treasure hunt being staged throughout the summer.

Anyone who has their map stamped and successfully answers questions at the brewery's 100 plus pubs will be entered into a prize draw.

George, 26 whose brother, Alex, 19, also clambered down the building, said: "I think the Great Arkell's Adventure is a fantastic idea.

"It's a good chance for people to see all our pubs which are in some beautiful places."

The Swindon brewery has launched its summer beer. Called Summer Ale, it is brewed from specially malted barley and Continental Styrian Golding hops.

Ben Payne