Abseilers scaled down Charter House in the last event of its kind at the iconic building in Ashford.

First to the bottom of the nine-storey Ashford building on Saturday was novice Karen Cleary, 33, of Essella Road, Ashford.

She was actually the second to go down but had speedily caught up and passed Bernice Barber, who had gone over the edge just before her.

Mrs Cleary said: "This is my first abseil and I am frightened of heights but I thought this was great.

"I had only signed up to do this a couple of weeks before but it was amazing and I am glad I did it."

Mrs Barber, 58, of Bluebell Close, Kingsnorth, Ashford, said: "I have done this once before, at the Hotel Burstin in Folkestone 10 years ago.

"It is always frightening going over the edge. But Karen went down very quickly and she seemed to do it more professionally."

The Kent Charity Challenge Abseil on Saturday was the last to be held at the 1970s office block before its expected conversion to flats.

A total 75 people abseiled down Charter House and a total £9,300 was raised for the road safety charity KM Walking Bus and the Pilgrims Hospices in East Kent.

Promoter Simon Dolby said support from local firms was crucial to the event’s success.

He explained: "The tremendous backing we get from businesses enables us to fund our events and ensures the maximum amount of cash goes to the target charities.

"These businesses have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to the communities in which they operate and are a role model for others. I am very grateful for all the support they have given."

Mr Dolby thanked the following firms: Specsavers, Ashford; County Square Shopping Centre; Royal Bank of Scotland; Dukelease Properties; and Berry Recruitment whose staff help with stewarding at the event. McDonald’s also fed volunteers during the day-long event.

Full story and more pictures in Thursday's Kentish Express