OCTOGENARIAN Ron Crawford proved he had a head for heights on Saturday, when he abseiled 80ft from the roof of Salisbury College.

He was one of about 180 people who took part in the event, which was held on Saturday and Sunday in aid of the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

Mr Crawford is chairman and secretary of the RNIB's Salisbury and district appeals group, which has been going for more than 20 years and raises more than £5,000 each year from donations, street collections, the Downton Cuckoo Fair and charity boxes in shops.

"I have had glider lessons, I've been up in a balloon, I've tried paragliding and I've flown a Tiger Moth, but it's the first time I have abseiled," said Mr Crawford (80), who lives in Grove Lane, Redlynch.

"It was no problem at all. I enjoyed it. I came down slowly and carefully and it was a lot easier than I thought it would be."

He went on: "It was all in aid of the RNIB, so I felt I had to do it, as I'm chairman and secretary of the Salisbury branch.

"The Talking Book service is going on to CD, which will be more efficient, but the special machines we need are very expensive. The money we raise from the abseil will help to fund this project."

He said the branch was currently without a secretary, a role he was having to perform.

"If there's someone out there with a few hours to spare and a little bit of know-how, we would be very pleased," he said.

Mr Crawford's wife Olwen watched her husband's descent from the ground.

"I'm afraid of heights," she said. "But Ron will do anything."

Afterwards, Mr Crawford said: "I've no plans to do anything else spectacular, but you never know."

Caroline Langmaid, RNIB area manager and organiser of the event, said it was hoped the abseil would raise about £20,000, once all the sponsorship money had come in.

She thanked Mr Crawford and everyone else who took part.

"It was brilliant," she said.

"We had all age-groups taking part, from Ron down to an eight-year-old.

"Ron raised £291 and Barclays Bank match-sponsored all its staff who took part."

One of those was Carole Boast (54), of Durrington, head cashier at Barclays' Salisbury branch.

She was watched by her husband, Dicky, and daughter, Cathryn.

Cathryn said: "She is very brave and the coolest mum ever."

Later this year, the RNIB is organising an off-road driving challenge and a parachute jumping event at Netheravon.