A VICAR will be conquering his fear of heights to help raise funds for his church and he needs more daredevils to join him.

The Rev David Green, vicar of St Nicholas Church in Strood High Street, will be abseiling down the side of the church tower.

The 60ft tower is one of the highest buildings in the town centre.

People over the age of 12 are being invited to join the sponsored drop on Saturday, March 14. The money raised will be split between St Nicholas Church and St Francis Church, Galahad Avenue, Strood.

St Nicholas Church needs to raise £15,000 to install a lift to enable those who are less mobile access to the upper hall.

This will help make the church more suitable for a wider variety of users and activities.

Mr Green said: “We have many community groups which use our halls but some people just aren’t able to get up the stairs.

“I’m scared of heights but the abseil is something I’ve got to do.”

St Francis needs to raise £8,000 to replace the wooden pews with chairs. This is part of a wider redevelopment project at the church which will see the worship area move up to a new floor and facilities for church and community use installed below.

The Rock Centre, specialists in climbing, abseiling and caving, will be providing training, equipment and supervision on the day of the abseil.

Participants have to raise £200 in sponsorship (£100 for people 16 and under).

For registration and sponsor forms, call Paul Robinson on 01634 714572 or email probinson.parishoffice@googlemail.com