AN intrepid team from Trowbridge JobCentre abseiled down the Trowbridge Fire Station’s tower, and ended up raising nearly £900 for charity.

The challenge was the brainchild of Sandi Cant, a work coach at the JobCentre who also volunteers with Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Last November, Sandi was out of work and dealing with severe anxiety. Through the JobCentre, she was given a place on a Salamander course at Trowbridge fire station.

Thanks to the team’s efforts, £625 is going to the Christmas Day lunch at County Hall, which provides a festive meal for people who would be alone and over £250 to the Fire Fighters’ Charity.

Sandi said: “I am delighted that it went so well – I am hugely grateful to the firefighters and Salamander for all they did for me, and it’s great to give something back to them.”

The nine participants were under the watchful eye of rope rescue instructor Jon Salisbury.

Jo Hopkins from Trowbridge JobCentre said: “We are delighted to support this brilliant local charity. The abseil has been a personal challenge for all of those who took part and we are feeling exhilarated by our efforts.”