MEMBERS of Ramsbottom Swimming Club completed a daring sponsored abseil to raise funds.

Sixty people took part in Saturday's abseil down Peel Tower, including 63-year-old Derek Bevin, one of the coaches at the club, based at Ramsbottom Pool.

He said later: "It was great. Everyone really encouraged each other and the Outdoor Activities Service ,who manned the equipment, were very professional."

"It was a real family event; people brought their dogs with them, and we had a really good day. Events like this forge friendships, and that's what our organisation is all about."

The swimming team, Ramsbottom Rascals, spend a crippling £20,000 a year on pool hire, transport, competition and affiliation fees. They hope to have raised around £3,000.

Head coach, Rick Wesolowski, commented: "Derek came up with the idea of doing the abseil after he tried it a couple of years ago. It seemed a better option than doing a sponsored swim at 10p a length!"

"It was a real challenge for the kids and their parents, and for the youngsters a great chance to boost their self-esteem and sense of achievement."

Local firm Ernest Platt sponsored the event, covering the cost of the abseil for up to 40 people.