THRILLSEEKERS are being offered the chance to abseil down one of West Dorset's most iconic monuments.

The Royal British Legion has launched the challenge, set to take place at the Hardy Monument with permission of the National Trust.

The event takes place on Sunday, June 10 and will give participants the chance to take in spectacular 360 degree panoramic views of the Dorset countryside as they descend 72ft down the iconic monument, whilst raising money for the charity to provide invaluable support to the Armed Forces community, past, present and their families.

The Hardy monument stands on an exposed location above the village of Portesham in Dorset. It was built in 1844 in memory of Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Flag Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

Sharon Wells, Regional Events Manager at The Royal British Legion, said: “The Legion is at the heart of a national network which supports our Armed Forces community through thick and thin, ensuring their unique contribution is never forgotten.

“Those taking part in this abseil will get a huge buzz – not only from the excitement of the descent, but also knowing they are helping the Legion to continue to provide help and support to our Armed Forces community.”

One of the many people to benefit from the Legion’s support in recent times is 40-year-old former Royal Marine, Harris ‘Tats’ Tatakis.

During a deployment to Afghanistan in 2007 Harris was caught up in an explosion when his Land Rover drove over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

The blast shattered the then 29-year-old Marine’s left leg, shin and ankle, broke his right foot, ruptured both his ear drums, and caused brain damage. In 2011, he was medically discharged from the forces.

This year he became the first veteran in the UK to receive a revolutionary iPod-administered treatment for tinnitus.

The treatment, administered at The Tinnitus Clinic in Bristol, was paid for by The Royal British Legion.

Today, Harris is still recovering from his injuries but he is determined to spread the word that there is “help out there” for the Armed Forces community.

Mr Harris said the Legion 'helped change my life for the better'.

“If I’m honest I didn’t know a lot about what it could offer until I discovered that the charity funded hearing treatment. It’s fair to say that the treatment – and indeed the Legion – has given my life back to me. The Legion is out there supporting me by paying for the treatment, and I’d encourage anyone in my position to make the most of the help. The Legion is here for us whether we’re young or old and that’s a wonderful thing.”

To take part participants must be aged eight years or older. All participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No experience is required to take part as all participants will be trained by highly skilled professional abseil instructors, which will ensure the abseil is safe and enjoyable.

There is an entry fee of £10 per person and participants must pledge to raise at lease £100.

To enter, visit rbl.org.uk/Hardy