DAREDEVIL Leigh MP Andy Burnham led a team of 45 abseilers over the side of Leigh Parish Church tower to bring a two year £120,000 repair fund raising marathon to a thrilling climax.

The spectacular event raised almost £10,000 -- £7,600 boosting the church fund and the rest going to local charities including Wigan and Leigh Scope, Alder Hey Hospital, the Cats' Protection League, Leigh RMI and Howe Bridge Scouts.

Mr Burnham, who received £4,000 sponsorship from chocolate giants, Cadbury, said: "I enjoyed it, but it was more nerve-racking than I thought. I looked down and all I could see was my wife and two worried children looking up at me. It was a wonderful way for the church to reach its final target."

Winner of the guest the height of the tower competition was Leigh RU's Chris Marsh whose 79ft guess was just one and a half inches off target.