FUNDRAISERS suspended any fears they may have had for heights to abseil from a fire station tower in aid of blind and partially- sighted people, yesterday.

Forty eight people, who were roped in for the event at the 85ft tower at Framwellgate Moor Fire Station, County Durham, raised about £5,000 for the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

The money will go to help adults and children in the Durham area.

Fundraising manager for the RNIB, Linda Stephenson said: "We are absolutely delighted with the way the day went.

"All those who took part got a free T-shirt and about half a dozen people got a free voucher for an aeroplane ride for raising more than £200."