Daredevil fundraisers dangled themselves off the side of a church yesterday to raise more than £5,000 for two Watford charities.

ASCEND and Watford New Hope Trust joined forces for a second time to organise the sponsored abseil down the tower of St Mary's Church.

More than 40 daring volunteers plucked up the courage to bounce down the side of the 80ft tower throughout the day in front of crowds of onlookers.

Among those taking part was Reverend Pam Wise, of All Saints’ Church in South Oxhey.

Rev Wise, who is also the Chair of ASCEND, said: “It was the most terrifying thing I have ever done. When I climbed over the ledge and looked down I was petrified.

“I froze. The only thing that got me going was knowing that all those supported me were watching from beneath. I could not let them down.”

For one participant the challenge meant conquering his biggest fear – heights.

Bob Wyard of Prestwick Road in South Oxhey had signed up for the abseil and then pulled out.

Bob said: “I am terrified of heights. I signed up and then chickened out. One of the members of the choir convinced me to do it.

“I agreed if we went up together. I’ve done it now and managed to raise £95 so far.”

ASCEND was set up in 1996 within South Oxhey, to counteract the problems faced on the estate of unemployment, social deprivation, mental and physical health issues and learning disabilities.

Watford New Hope Trust is a Christian charity whose mission is to help the homeless and vulnerable in Watford by providing shelter, food and opportunities to rebuild damaged lives.

The day raised more than £5,000 which will go towards the charities' running costs.