Cumbria County Council chairwoman Christine Bowditch was one of four fundraisers conquering her fears at the weekend, abseiling down a 60ft firefighters' training tower, to raise thousands for charity.

The councillor climbed the dizzying heights of the firefighters’ training tower, which looms over the training yard on Eastern Way in Carlisle.

Thousands have been raised so far and spectators gathered round to watch the brave women climb out of a window, about 60ft high, and then lower themselves to the ground.

Members of the group were High Sheriff Marcia Reid Fotheringham, Christine Bowditch, Carol Fish, from Cartmell Shepherd and Kerrie Higham from The Well Communities.

Councillor Bowditch said: “I’m glad I did it but I will never do it again as long as I live.

“Stepping out of that window into nothing is just impossible. I’m shaking like a leaf.

“It was awful, there was nothing good about it. I did it for all our causes, I’m glad I did it.

“People said once I did it I would want to do it again, nothing under the sun could make me go back up.

“It was my idea to do the abseil so I have to take the blame, I can’t begin to say how pleased I am to see how many people are here and how successful the day has been.

“It has been a real community effort. I’m astonished by the number of people who have come to support us.”

Happy it was all over, she added she was very glad of the glass of prosecco handed to her at the end.

Her husband Mr Bowditch said: “I’m really proud of her.”

Also taking part was Marcia Reid Fotheringham who said: “It’s been fantastic, on some level, the hardest part has been getting out of the window but once you get beyond that it has been terrific. The support from the firefighters has helped make this happen.

“I really do feel as high sheriff I have lots of support from the community. I’m amazed every time the community continues to give.”

Benefitting from the day were The Well Communities, People First, Carlisle Mencap and the Oak Tree Animals’ Charity.