A SPONSORED abseil, originally organised to raise funds for Leigh Parish Church Tower Appeal, is being thrown open to local groups and charities.

The appeal is close to collecting the £120,000 needed for essential tower repairs and fundraisers anticipate meeting the target before the June event.

So they have decided to offer local groups the opportunity to raise cash by sponsoring people to abseil down the church tower.

Numbers are limited to 100 volunteers over two days. A fee of £50 per participant is required to cover costs, but any other sponsorship can be retained to boost club and society funds.

For details, contact Peter Hatton on 01942 672048.