DARING fundraisers put aside any fear of heights to take part in a charity abseil.

More than 90 people braved the 100ft descent from the top of Fremlin Walk, in Earl Street, Maidstone, on Saturday, to raise money for the Heart of Kent Hospice in Preston Hall, Aylesford, and the Kent Walking Bus Project.

The event was part of a year of fund-raising by the Kent Messenger to raise £35,000 for the hospice.

Those taking part had to pledge to raise at least £75 and the total, which is hoped to be about £13,000, will be split between the two causes. The hospice will receive 70 per cent and the rest will go to the Kent Walking Bus Project.

Event promoter Simon Dolby, from the Walking Bus Project, said: "It was an absolutely fantastic effort and there was wonderful support from all the staff who helped.

"We are really happy to have raised so much, we were aiming for about £10,000 so to have surpassed that is fantastic."

Alison Keen, community fund-raiser at the Heart of Kent Hospice, said: "We are delighted to be part of this exciting project and grateful for the support of the Kent Messenger Group and sponsors Specsavers, Halifax Estate Agent, Vertex Law, and Fremlin Walk."