DAREDEVIL students have taken the plunge to raise money to help celebrate a college’s 450th anniversary.

The teenagers, from Guisborough’s Prior Pursglove College, in east Cleveland, put their fear of heights behind them to abseil 80ft off the town’s viaduct.

The event was the first effort to raise the money to help fund next year’s celebrations. Adrenaline junkie Laura Gregory, 17, of Saltburn, who is studying maths, English and psychology, said: “I love doing things like this. We are hoping to make as much money as possible for the celebrations.”

Thirty-two students and staff tackled the abseil yesterdayafternoon.

And 17-year-old Becky Turnbull, of Brotton, who is studying biology, chemistry and maths, said: “I fancied a challenge and it was really good. It’s the first time I have ever done an abseil and I would do one again.”

The anniversary, which marks the start of education on the site of the college in 1561, will enable community members to share their pride in the history and achievements of the educational institution.

As well as marking the occasion next year, the college will focus on creating a permanent record, so wants to hear from ex-students of Prior Pursglove or Guisborough Grammar School to share memories, photographs and success stories. Visit pursglove.ac.uk/alumni or call 01287-280800.