Learners in Leek held the life of their principal in their hands, as he abseiled down a local church for charity.

Buxton & Leek College’s principal Len Tildsley, alongside the town’s mayor Brian Johnson, descended the town of Leek’s only medieval church, St Edward’s, to raise money for the Mayor’s Charity, which supports youth organisations based in the area.

A team of level three outdoor sports students set up the fundraiser as part of their course with the help of their tutor, Allan Shaw. They fixed the abseil to the top of the fourteenth-century church tower, and fitted the pair with ropes and safety equipment to keep them secure amidst the windy weather.

“This is just one of the many activities that we get to do as part of this course that makes it so great” said student Tom Bailey. “We are really prepared for the world of work because we get to experience a wide range of activities. Being based in the Peak District is also a perfect setting as we get to experience it all on our doorstep.”