A VICAR and a policewoman were among more than 20 volunteers who abseiled down a church tower for charity.

Father Raymond Cuthbertson, of St John's Church, Shildon, was joined by Shildon PC Mandy Lawton, who had to conquer her fear of heights to take part.

Fr Cuthbertson said: "It is that first drop when you climb over that doesn't get any better.''

More than £600 was raised to help the work of The Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland, and money was also raised for church funds and the Countryside Movement.

Fr Cuthbertson and PC Lawton were joined by crime fighting duo Batman and Robin who were cheered by those who went along to the church fair and abseil.

Beryl Anderson, from the hospice, said: "It is the best year we have had so far, and characters like Batman and Robin really made the day.

"It is great to work in partnership with the Shildon Countryside Movement and St John's Church, and see the whole of Shildon coming together as one big community."