WALKING Bus supporters can help the walk to school charity and the Pilgrims Hospices in east Kent by taking part in an event that will challenge their bravery and fund-raising skills to the limit.

Fifty people are needed to take part in an abseil off Fisher Tower in the centre of Canterbury's Christ Church University campus on Saturday, July 21.

Two firms have already signed up to sponsor the event but a third backer is needed.

Solicitors Parry Sharratt Partnership, with offices in Canterbury and Whitstable, and Snappy Snaps photo and digital specialists, based in Rose Lane, Canterbury, have both pledged £800 to help cover the costs of the technical equipment needed for the challenge.

The abseil will test the bravery of readers to the limit as it will take place from the roof of seven storey Fisher Tower.

To take part, participants must raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship. Proceeds from the event will be divided between the Pilgrims Hospices, which will receive 70 per cent of the funds raised, and the children's road safety charity Kent Walking Bus Project, which will receive 30 per cent of sponsorship raised.

To apply for a free event pack simply complete the form on this page, or go to www.kentwalkingbus.org.

Alan Robertson, senior partner of Parry Sharratt Partnership, said: "We are delighted to support this event. The causes are excellent and the whole event will be a very exciting challenge."

Snappy Snaps offers a wide range of digital imaging and gift services including printing pictures on to canvasses that can be adapted to look like pop art or moody black and white or sepia.

Stephen Humphries of Snappy Snaps said: "This is a great challenge with great charities benefiting. I hope the public sign up for this in droves."

Canterbury Christ Church University's Director of External Relations, Mary Galliers, said: "Canterbury Christ Church University is pleased to support the Kent Messenger Group's charity abseil event at our North Holmes Campus. The University has a good record of working with the local community in which it is based and this exciting event will give both local people and our staff and students the opportunity to raise money for local good causes."

The zip wire is being organised by Avalon Adventures. As well as having qualified staff, many of whom are former servicemen, the firm has full public liability insurance. The Kent Walking Bus Project is the event promoter.

For information about the event or to become the third sponsor, contact Simon Dolby from the Walking Bus Project on 07989 164752. To apply for your free event pack go to www.kentwalkingbus.org For information on Snappy Snaps view www.snappysnaps-canterbury.co.uk