A GROUP of volunteers from Winchester will take part in an abseiling challenge to raise funds to support the elderly.

Richard Coleman, Penny Freeman, Steve Morgan and Ros Simpson will descend from a platform 100 metres down the side of Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth on June 4.

The team are attempting the feat to raise money for Winchester's Live at Home scheme.

The group has so far raised £385 and counting for the charity, which offers support and friendship to older people living in their own homes to help maintain independent living.

The scheme supports 400 older people in the Winchester area with a varied programme of outings and events to improve well-being and reduce isolation.

It currently employs seven members of staff who are based at the United Church on Jewry Street.

Ros is the community program co-ordinator at Winchester Live at Home Scheme, and this will be her second daring event she has taken part in on behalf of the charity, following a skydive from 10,000 feet in 2014.

Richard is a retired headteacher who volunteers in the charity's kitchen on Fridays helping to make and serve lunches.

Penny is a lieutenant commander in the Royal Navy who is also a volunteer befriender as well as being the secretary on the charity's committee.

Steve is director of engineering at King Games and helps out with the charity's fundraising events throughout the year.

Richard said: "As a volunteer I’m always looking for ways to promote the great work of Winchester Live at Home Scheme and to raise much need funds. This abseil is a wonderful way of achieving both of these things as well as confirming that I’m not scared of heights."

Anna Miles, scheme manager for Winchester Live at Home Scheme, said: "We are very grateful to Richard, Ros, Steve and Penny for taking on this challenge and hope to raise lots of money for their efforts."

The group can be sponsored at localgiving.org/fundraising/wlahs-abseil2017/