Darren Webber abseils from the Salisbury College roof.BUDDING army recruits took a leap of faith when they abseiled down the side of Salisbury College to raise money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance.
The 19 students are on a 12-week army preparation course, which focuses on getting them ready for life in the forces.
As part of their training, the 16-to-19-year-olds stepped backwards off the college roof to complete a 60ft sponsored descent.
"This is the first time most of them have done abseiling and we have a few who are scared of heights," said Sergeant Rich Wilkes, who trains the recruits.
"But it's good for their confidence.
The students combine academic study at Wiltshire College, Lackham, with physical fitness and residential army training courses.
By the end of the training, the students should meet the army selection criteria and have knowledge of the many career options open to them.
Sergeant Gary Getley, organises a wide range of activities for the trainees, "We have chosen the air ambulance as our charity because it's something we can all call on," he said.
The team hopes Thursday's sponsored abseil and street collection will raise well over £1,000 for the appeal.
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