Supporters of Wiltshire Air Ambulance experienced the exhilaration of abseiling down Avon Gorge in Bristol.

Thirty people abseiled 200 feet down the gorge on Sunday, April 14, raising money for the charity.

It was the first time abseiling for James Nation, of Malmesbury, who works as a contracts manager in Royal Wootton Bassett.

He said: “It was really exciting and it was a really well organised event. "I was nervous at the top but once I’d gone over the edge and was abseiling down it was exhilarating.

"Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a great charity, you never know when you might need it.”

Wiltshire Council Chairman councillor Allison Bucknell and her husband, Steve, a town councillor, of Royal Wootton Bassett, also abseiled.

Allison said: “Thanks to Wiltshire Air Ambulance for putting on something a bit different, giving us the opportunity to try something new and raise lots of money for such a great cause.

"Steve and I were hoping to raise £1,000 between us, but with generous supporters it is nearer £1,000 each!”

The team of abseilers were cheered on by Wiltshire Air Ambulance volunteers and Marsha the mascot.

So far, the amount raised is more than £3,700.

Kenresa Stratford, events co-ordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance, said: “We are delighted at the success of our abseil at Avon Gorge.

"Thank you to Jake and the team at JT Expeditions for guiding our abseilers down safely and making the event memorable.

“It is the first time we have held an abseil and our participants embraced the challenge.

"Their fantastic efforts will help us to continue saving lives.”