AROUND £8,000-10,000 was raised during a charity abseil off Taunton's County Hall, it has been announced.

Dozens of fundraisers climbed down C Block last Thursday and Friday (April 3 and 4) after Somerset County Council joined forces with flood action group FLAG and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue service.

Each hardy participant was asked to raise £50 sponsorship, with money being divided between Somerset Community Foundation and the county council chairman’s charities, the National Autistic Society and Somerset Trust for Arts and Recreation.

Council chairman David Fothergill said: “I want to thank everyone who took part. I know for many, they faced their greatest fear abseiling down County Hall while raising funds for three good causes.

“I also want to thank the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service who expertly ran the abseil and helped all 93 abseilers achieve their goal.”

Somerset County Gazette:

Members of flood action group FLAG.

Somerset County Gazette:

CAROL Leese about to start the descent.