MORE than 50 intrepid fund-raisers took their courage in both hands to make a rope descent from the 75ft-high roof of Salisbury College.

They were taking part in a sponsored abseil challenge organised by the Wiltshire branch of the British Red Cross.

Most were raw beginners and after completing their individual descent, which took an average of six minutes, each received a certificate to record their bravery and support for the charity.

They ranged from students of the college and local company teams to a teacher, a chemist and four members of the staff from the Salisbury Red Cross Centre in Fisherton Street - Colin Brown, Margaret New, Stelio Passaris and Anna Shukman.

The aim of the challenge was raise at least £2,000 to fund the work of the Red Cross locally, including its medical loans and transport schemes.