DARING fundraisers are taking part in a sponsored abseil inside the tower at St Sampson’s Church at the start of Britain’s longest-running door-to door fundraising week.

Three generations of one family, a bishop and a father and son are among those who will drop 70ft secret agent style in the Jump for Justice event, held as part of Christian Aid Week at St Sampson’s Church off Bath Road, Cricklade on May 11.

Among those taking part will be Cricklade resident Helen Hopkins, who is marking her 80th birthday with the jump, along with her 39-year-old daughter Christina Foote and 23-year-old granddaughter Phillippa Collins.

Helen said: “My granddaughter Philli told me to do something different for my 80th birthday, I saw this in the local paper and thought I would give it go.

"It's nice to know at the same time that we are raising money for people in need - and to know that Christina and Philli will be joining me!"

Other abseilers include Father Dexter Bracey of Swindon New Town parish, and Graham Stockill and his 16-year-old son Dominic McBratney of Cricklade.

The jump is part of ‘The Cricklade Big Day Out’ with food and entertainment from 10am to 6pm, including performances from the Sing 4/4 Cricklade Community Choir and the Cricklade Town Band Academy, a lunchtime BBQ, afternoon tea and cake plus a bouncy castle and the teddy bears’ parachute competition.

There are still spaces left and the international aid and development charity is appealing to local people aged 11 and over to consider taking the plunge – literally.

To register for the jump, which costs £15, call Katrine Musgrave on 01454 415923 or email kmusgrave@christian-aid.org