Jump to it!

"DON'T look down" was the cry.

And around 40 daredevils from Barnardo's Phoenix project did exactly that on Saturday -- for charity.

Members abseiled 60 feet down the side of the Bolton Evening News building to raise £2,800 for the Indian Earthquake Appeal.

More than 25,000 people were killed and thousands made homeless in January's earthquake which devastated Gujarat.

And one person determined to conquer the challenge at her first ever attempt was little Shakti Patel.

"No problem," said the daring seven-year-old before joining her mother, event organiser Bhaggie Patel, in the leap.

"It was really great and I enjoyed myself", said Shakti, a pupil at Bolton's Haslam Park Primary School, as her feet touched the ground.

Mum Bhaggie said: "My heart was in my mouth watching her come down but I really enjoyed it. It was a fantastic experience and a big achievement."

Crowds gathered and passers-by cheered as, one by one, members of the group abseiled their way down the BEN building.

The once-in-a-lifetime event was organised by Barnardo's Phoenix Project with Adventure Unlimited from Bolton Youth Service and with the support from the Bolton Evening News.

Daring volunteers were strapped to secure harnesses before taking their plunge -- and enjoying every minute of it.

"I want to do the Empire State building next," said 21-year-old student Moonira Patel, from Bolton, after she touched down.

"I attempted to go fast, but they kept saying: 'Slow down, slow down'. I cannot believe I have just done it."

Vicky Price, aged 24, from Bolton, doing her second abseil, said: "I was a bit nervy at first but, when you get yourself going, it is OK."

Heather McEwan, aged 25, from Farnworth, said: "Your legs just lock and everything starts running through your mind. The first couple of feet are the hardest, but it was fun."

Shake

Abeda Patel, 21, a trainee teacher from Bolton, added: "It's scary, really scary!

"It is when they tell you to lean back that your heart goes and your legs start to shake."

Also taking the plunge was BEN girl Angelina Lombardo, who said: "It is good to be able to raise money and have fun at the same time, and it is for an excellent cause."

And BEN Promotions Assistant Kulsum Patel, 17, said: "It was really good, but scary. I'd think twice about doing it again! I raised £90, so it was worth it for the earthquake victims." "DON'T look down" was the cry.