FIFTY-EIGHT brave souls overcame their fears when they took part in a charity abseil from the top of St John’s Parish Church in Wellington on Saturday.

The event was held in association with Wellington Carnival, with 50% of funds raised going directly to the local group/charity of the sponsored abseilers’ choice and 50% to support Wellington Carnival.

Carnival secretary Louise Brierley said participants had raised more than £5,700.

Local man Derrick Tron made the most sponsorship with £700 – his chosen charity was Children’s Hospice South West.

The amount raised may increase, as many taking part had been promised further donations.

Most participants were from Wellington, representing local organisations such as SeeAbility, Genesis Youth Group, Wellington Community Pre-School and Wellington Majorettes, but others came from Sampford Peverell, Crewkerne and Bridgwater.

Carnival Queen Leona Jolly, and her princesses Ellie Norris and Kaitlyn Rood took part in the abseil and raised nearly £500 between them. They each chose a charity close to their own hearts.

The organisers would like to thank St John’s Church for its help running the event as well as members of Wellington Carnival Committee for their help; Terry Small for traffic duties; and Clare Hutchings and Sarah Garfitt for providing refreshments throughout the day.

The event was extremely popular – at times more than150 people at ground level cheered on participants. Enquiries have already been made for a date to hold the event next year.

Formal presentations will be made to the participants who raised the most money and their nominated group/charity.

Carnival secretary Louise Brierley said: “I am delighted to announce that the people taking part in the event managed to raise in excess of £5,700.

“This money will help with running the carnival and will mean a bigger donation for local charities in the coming year.”

Louise said it would not enable the committee to make the carnival itself bigger – that was up to the people of the town. Individuals, groups and organisations were desperately needed to come forward and keep the tradition going.

Wellington Carnival is looking forward to welcoming people to its next event, the annual Street Fair on Sunday, June 5. Stall booking forms are now available on its website, www.wellingtoncarnival.org.uk, or by emailing [email protected]