Former Olympic ski jumper Eddie the Eagle had to be 'rescued' from an adventure high ropes course in Kent.

Eddie, real name Michael Edwards, visited Folkestone Sports Centre to officially open its recently refurbished ski slope and cabin.

While there, Eddie, who competed in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Canada, enjoyed a practice session on the 60 metre slops, which has a new surface.

He was also invited to try the SkyWalk high ropes adventure course, which opened in April this year, and take part in a rescue.

Course instructor Damon Law set up the rescue lowering gear, while a large group of interested onlookers gathered below.

Eddie was smoothly and successfully lowered to the ground, and welcomed with a round of applause by people at the weekend.

SkyWalk manager Steve Rich praised the Olympian for his voluntary role in a public rescue display which he sportingly agreed to: "When I asked Eddie if he wouldn't mind being subjected to a rescue lowering from the high course he didn't hesitate, showing what a truly wonderful sport he remains to be."

Steve added: "It was touching to see how open and naturally warm Eddie was with members of the public.

"A genuinely nice character."

Folkestone Sports Centre is home to a swimming pool, fitness suite, indoor cycling studio, café, treatment rooms, ski and toboggan slopes, footgolf course and more.

The refurbished Ski Centre, includes the introduction of a built in misting system on the slope and new reception and social area.

SkyWalk, which has been four years in the making, is a two level high ropes obstacle course and can be used by anyone over 1.2m tall.

Each session lasts 60 minutes, with a 15-minute briefing and a 45-minute climb, and costs £10 per person.

For more information, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone