AN 80-YEAR-OLD Cowling church treasurer was among four people to carry out a successful sponsored charity abseil.

Edna Smith, of Cowling's St Andrew's Church, took part in the event to help buy a new boiler for the property. Three other fundraisers joined her for the effort at High Adventure Outdoor Education Centre earlier this month.

Lifelong Cowling resident Mrs Smith said she had managed to raise more than £400.

She explained that one of the other abseilers was also raising cash for the church, while the others, who included eight-year-old Cowling boy Oliver Dawson, were helping separate good causes.

Mrs Smith said at least 25 spectators turned out on the day to watch the abseil.

"Oliver ended up doing the abseil twice," she said. "I'd had no idea what it would be like, but we had a very good instructor so it felt as safe as houses. I wasn't worried and I never felt like anything could go wrong.

"I'm very pleased with how much I raised, I wasn't expecting to get so much."

She has previously said that St Andrew's Church's old boiler had been condemned and could not be used any longer. She said that the church was looking to have its new boiler in place before the colder weather arrives.