A GROUP of fundraisers took their lives in their hands to collect money for charity.

Supporters of the Royal National Institute for the Blind abseiled from Gurney House, Middlesbrough, yesterday to raise the cash.

More than 160 people took the plunge and everyone who took part was sponsored to raise money for blind and partially-sighted adults and children in the Cleveland area.

Chris Lord, assistant manager of Teesside's Millennium disco, was one of the daredevils.

He took part as his comic alter-ego, Mr Mint, joining people from all around the area in taking part in the 120ft jump.