Eighty daredevils took the plunge at the KM’s summer abseil challenge on Sunday - including a film star, a giant dog and a teddy bear - raising £7,500 for charity.

The event saw a swarm of fundraisers descend the balcony of the Channel Suite of Leas Cliff Hall on Sunday, June 14 benefiting 14 good causes.

Jessica Hynes, best known for the film Shaun of the Dead and sitcom Spaced, beat the drop for Action for Children. The Folkestone based actress who is the charity’s ambassador was joined by her sister Zoe Holborough.

Tina Wilkings from Action for Children also took part. “That was really exciting! Nerve wracking to begin with but the guys really talk you through it and put you at your ease. It was an amazing experience,” she said.

Caroline Ward of Capel-le-Ferne was the most successful individual fundraiser on the day with £810 for Teenage Cancer Trust. The Best Fancy Dress award went to Ashford’s Susie New who supported Guide Dogs for the Blind by abseiling in a giant dog outfit.

The oldest participant was 69 year old Clare Powis from Whitstable who raised funds for Catching Lives. The youngest was 15 year old Ellie Hopper who supported Deal Breastfeeding Group.

Graham White from Dover took part to raise money for the Samaritans – and brought his teddy bear with him. “He doesn’t do anything without me,” quipped Mr White.

Maidstone’s Cassie Moss from Guide Dogs for the Blind took the plunge blindfolded to understand how it feels to be sight impaired while raising funds for the charity.

She said: “I spend a lot of my working days putting people in blindfolds to understand the barriers visually impaired people face. So today I’m putting my money where my mouth is and doing it myself.”

The challenge was staged by the KM’s charity department and supported by Holiday Extras, BayPoint Club and Over the Edge Adventures.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: "We smashed last year’s attendance with 20 additional participants and everyone’s enthusiasm for the event and their chosen causes was truly inspiring.”

Other popular events run by the KM Charity Team now open for booking include the KM Charity Walk on June 28 and KM Assault Course Challenge on October 3.

Charities and good causes wanting to find out about teaming up with the KM Charity Team to support their fundraising should call Mr Dolby on 07989 164 752.

To view video news footage related to the event or to book for KM Charity Team event visit www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk.