Comic book hero Batman could be seen climbing to the top of a 120ft crane on Saturday, watched in awe by a crowd below.

But underneath the caped crusader costume it wasn't millionaire Bruce Wayne - it was the vice-principal of Strood Academy, Derek Fearnley.

Mr Fearnley staged the feat to raise money for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The 55-year-old came up with the moneyspinner when construction firm Bam moved in to the school in Carnation Road to build a major extension.

He said: "I said I'd love to go up the crane so I could see the views. It was then arranged for me to do it and I decided I would make it for charity."

Dozens of pupils, parents, staff and governors gathered to watch Mr Fearnley tackle the climb dressed in a full Batman costume, complete with mask and cape.

He said: "The idea for the Batman costume came from a colleague. She said she would sponsor me £10 to do the climb, but she would give me £75 if I did it in a Batman suit, so I agreed.

"I was more worried about looking silly than going up the crane." Under the watchful eye of a Kent Fire and Rescue crew, Mr Fearnley climbed the metal frame in just a few minutes, pausing every now and again to wave to the crowd below.

At the top, he posed for photographs and took some photos of his own of the views and of the people on the ground.

He said: "When I was climbing up it felt a lot higher than it did looking at it from the ground but my legs didn't feel wobbly at all.

"The views at the top were fantastic and looking down and seeing all the supporters below was great." Mr Fearnley hopes to raise £5,000, enough to buy and train a guide dog.

He is still collecting sponsorship money. To donate, contact the school on 01634 717121.