YACHTSMAN Andy Hindley was happy to get roped into helping his builder dad Tony during a short visit to see his family.

The 28-year-old former Mount Carmel student was taking a break from preparing for a round-the-world yacht race.

And he agreed to give Hindley senior, of Hollins Lane, Accrington, a hand clearing out the old bell tower of Blackburn's St James' Church.

Andy's task was to abseil down the 80ft tower and cover the gaps left when the bell was removed to stop pigeons making their home inside.

The height is similar to a yacht's mast and Andy's expertise was invaluable.

But he said: "It's harder to abseil down the spire than to get hoisted up a yacht mast in the middle of an ocean. I don't like the part when you have to step over the top."

Andy, one of the world's youngster skippers, will head a team of 14 in the BT Global Challenge in September this year.

The round-the-world trip is set to finish on July 15, 1997 - his 30th birthday.

He added: "I hope it'll be a day to remember."

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