The Bishop of Blackburn braved dizzying heights to take on a daring abseiling challenge for charity.

The Rt Rev Philip North, BBC Radio Lancashire presenter Graham Liver, Chorley MP Sir Lindsay Hoyle and others abseiled down St Laurence’s church tower in Chorley at the weekend.

This was part of the church’s ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising campaign, the money of which will be used to carry out repairs to the roof and other parts of the building.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Rt Rev Philip North preparing to abseil down St Laurence’s Church The Rt Rev Philip North preparing to abseil down St Laurence’s Church (Image: Facebook/St Laurence’s Church)

Pictures and videos have emerged of Bishop Philip and others braving the challenge.

Bishop Philip said: "There is amazing ministry at St Laurence's with a Wellness Hub open all week, providing everything from a café to debt counselling, and that can't continue if the roof falls.

The fundraising is less about the roof and more about supporting the great work of the parish."

Radio presenter Graham said: “I’ve featured many groups and organisations on my BBC Radio Lancashire breakfast show that are based at St Laurence’s In Chorley; it’s a fantastic community hub.

“So when Bishop Philip told us he was doing the abseil during a recent appearance on our show we knew it would be a great chance to support this great cause directly.”

Fr Neil Kelley from St Laurence's said: "We are so grateful to Bishop Philip, for supporting our fundraising campaign. His involvement has thrown an even bigger spotlight on it than might have otherwise been the case.

Lancashire Telegraph: Graham Liver, Lindsay Hoyle and The Rt Rev Philip North preparing to abseil down St Laurence’s Church Graham Liver, Lindsay Hoyle and The Rt Rev Philip North preparing to abseil down St Laurence’s Church (Image: Lindsay Hoyle)

"We are also grateful to BBC Radio Lancashire for the fantastic profile they have given the event and to Graham and Leanne in particular for being such a good sports and being willing to give the abseiling a go!"

Donations can be made by searching ‘Raise The Roof fundraiser for St Laurence Chorley PCC’ on the JustGiving website.

More than £4,200 has been raised so far.

A spokesperson, who set up the fundraiser, said: “We care passionately about caring for our local community and provide many services to support this.

Lancashire Telegraph: The Rt Rev Philip North, Lindsay Hoyle, Graham Liver, and others abseiled down St Laurence’s Church The Rt Rev Philip North, Lindsay Hoyle, Graham Liver, and others abseiled down St Laurence’s Church (Image: St Laurence’s Church)

“Each week we provide hot meals for anyone who needs them, a sit down two-course meal on Monday nights and a pay what you can café from Tuesday to Friday.

“To continue this vital work we need our building to be safe and secure. As the oldest building in Chorley we are need of some repairs especially to our roof. Your kind donations will be going to our appeal.”