DAREDEVILS are invited to step into the shoes of a stunt man for a thrilling charity challenge speeding through the air on a 100ft zip wire.

The Kent Messenger has laid down the gauntlet and now we need you, the people of Maidstone, to accept the challenge and help us raise money for two fantastic causes.

Proceeds from the high adrenaline event will be split between the Heart of Kent Hospice in Aylesford and the Kent and Medway Walking Bus project, which is supported by the Kent Messenger.

The excitement will unfold at Maidstone Fire Station, Loose Road, Maidstone, on Saturday, November 17, when thrill seekers will have a chance to jump from the fire station tower and skim down a wire in a safety harness.

The Kent Messenger is looking for at least 50 adrenaline junkies to take part in the event but those taking the plunge must raise a minimum of £75 in sponsorship. Participants should be 18 years old or over

The Heart of Kent Hospice could not continue its work without the help of fund-raisers.

It costs £285 every hour just to keep the hospice running and to provide specialist care for patients with advanced cancer, motor neurone disease or other life-threatening illnesses.

Caroline Brinkman, corporate fund-raiser at the hospice, said: "It will be a high-adrenaline event and it should be a good team building exercise for everyone to get involved in.

"This year we need to raise £2.5 million to continue our range of services within the hospice and therefore we are relying on the continued support of the community and local businesses."

Since its launch in 2000 the Kent and Medway Walking Bus project has reduced the number of school run journeys on Kent streets by offering parents a way to get their children to school safely without the car. In the last 12 months Kent's 80 Walking Buses have taken 100,000 school run trips off Kent's streets.

To request an application pack to take part in the zip wire challenge or to make a donation, cut out the form printed in the Kent Messenger newspaper or click the link at the bottom of this story to go to the Abseil Challenge section of the children's walk to school website www.kentwalkingbus.org

The event is being staged by Avalon Adventures and promoted by the Kent and Medway Walking Bus, supported by the Kent Messenger and HSBC.