Volunteers battled with their nerves this weekend as they abseiled down the Jurassic Skyline Tower.

The charity fundraiser, which took place on Sunday, saw 30 brave volunteers descend the 53-meter structure under the supervision of firefighters from Weymouth fire station.

The event was in aid of five charities including Fire Fighters Charity, SafeWise, Merlin’s Magic Wand, the Sea Life Trust and Julia’s House Hospice - And the firefighters gave up their free time to co-ordinate the challenge.

Volunteers were given the task of raising £200 in preparation for the event, which will be split between the chosen charities. However, some of the volunteers took it upon themselves to raise additional funds to support extra charities.

Karla Hardy, a resident, raised the £200 target required for the challenge plus an extra £250 for charity.

Discussing the abseil, she said: “I saw the challenge advertised in the Echo, so I applied. I have been raising money for the five charities and for the Durlston ward in Poole hospital in memory of Laura Beare.”

“I was more nervous than I thought I would be. I have only been up the tower once and I forgot how high it is.

“When I started putting on all the equipment it was a bit nerve-racking.”

Andy Judd, another resident, also raised more than the £200 target, and will donate some of the additional money to Wyke Social Club and Dorset Abilities Group.

He said: “It is the first abseil I have done. It was a bit nerve-racking when I was coming down. The sun came out for the end which is fantastic.”

Sam Conway, who has been diagnosed with lung cancer, also took part in the challenge.

He said: “It was really good, and the team were really supportive and very encouraging.

“I am good with heights and really enjoyed it. It is good to raise a few hundred pound for charity.”

Jason Rolls, a Weymouth firefighter, said: "We like to support local charities and we have the skills to be able to hold these sort of events.

"We wanted people to be out of their comfort zone.

"The abseilers have all been fantastic. They turned up on time and have worked really hard to raise money for our charities and in some cases other charities."

Everyone who completed the abseil was given a medal by Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, to mark their achievement.

Mr Rolls added that the fundraiser has already toppled the target of £7,000 which will be donated to the chosen charities. The final total is to be confirmed.