Thirty volunteers took a leap of faith from the roof of the YMCA building, Charter House, in Watford town centre at the weekend.

They abselied 30 metres back to terra firma to raise cash and awareness for Alternatives Watford, the local pregnancy crisis and support centre.

The youngest person was 15 and the oldest was 75, Members of the police community team took part, as did staff from Oceana Nightclub and others who wanted to help.

The money raised will enable Alternatives Watford to continue to offer free, confidential and unbiased support to teenage girls and women facing unintended pregnancy or pregnancy loss.

The charity also visits local secondary schools to run lunchtime clubs for teenage girls dealing with issues such as self esteem, relationships, healthy eating and anti-bullying.

Alternatives also runs a fundraising Mother and Baby charity Shop in Clarendon Road, Watford, (opposite Watford Palace Theatre) offering second hand clothes, equipment, toys and books for babies and children aged up to five years. It is open from 9am until 4.30pm Tuesday to Friday and from 10am until 4pm on Saturday.

To find out more visit www.alternativeswatford.co.uk/