plucky volunteers have abseiled down Eastnor Castle in aid of Acorns Children's Hospice.

Among the brave people taking part were Eileen Dilley, aged 70, from Sutton St Nicholas and Peggy Probert, aged 71, from Hereford, who raised £1,545 between them.

Sophie James, Acorns' community fundraiser said: "Eileen and Peggy have done incredibly well raising sponsorship and also tackling a very high abseil.

"I'd like to say a huge thank you to both of them for their amazing efforts."

Peggy, a retired nursing sister, was diagnosed with cancer 16 years ago, resulting in radical breast surgery, but was given the all-clear five-years later.

Peggy said: "For me, the last 16 years have been full of fun and happiness, but unfortunately some of the children who use Acorns might not have 16 years to look forward to. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to use my health and wellbeing to raise funds for Acorns."

"When I heard about the abseil, I decided to take the challenge and it was great to get my old friend Peggy to join me," Eileen added.

Sophie said: "Thanks to all of the fantastic abseil entrants, we have raised over £12,000 so far, and we hope to make the abseil an annual event as nearly all participants said that they would love to do it again."

Also at Eastnor Castle were the team from the Hereford Times, who raised over £600 for the hospice.

Hereford Times sales representative Kay Parker said: "It was amazing. It was really good fun and I would definitely do it again.

"The scariest part was climbing up the tower and over the wall but it only took me about two minutes to abseil down."