THE Weymouth Carnival Queen is set to abseil down the Jurassic Skyline for charity.

Samantha McIntosh, aged 30, has been chosen as one of 25 people to descend the 53 metre (174ft) tower as part of a controlled abseil in March.

Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is working in partnership with the Jurassic Skyline to organise the challenge, which is in aid of local charities.

Ms McIntosh said she applied to take part in the challenge last year after seeing it advertised on Facebook.

She said: “I read about the challenge on Facebook and had to complete an application about why I want to do it.

“I mentioned I am Weymouth Carnival Queen and said how I’ve been raising money for charity and that this would be a great start to the new year.”

As part of the challenge, successful applicants are required to raise at least £200 for charities including Fire Fighters Charity, SafeWise, Merlin’s Magic Wand, the Sea Life Trust and Julia’s House Hospice.

Ms McIntosh added: “It is all for a good cause and goes towards charity.

“I have had a few friends say they will sponsor me already and think I must have already raised around £40. I am hoping the money goes far.”

The Weymouth fire station team will lead the challenge giving participants full training.

On the day of the abseil, all of the firefighters and volunteers will be giving up their time whilst off duty, and Merlin Entertainments are providing the use of the Jurassic Skyline free of charge.

The challenge will also see Ms McIntosh face one of her biggest fears.

She said: “I am scared of heights but have managed to pull myself together to go on a trapeze in the past. It’s fine until you look down.

“I am quite an outgoing person and it is a privilege to have been chosen to do it.

“I will be nervous but will do it anyway.

“I only have a year of being Carnival Queen and am making the most of it.”

The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 4 2018 subject to weather conditions.