The brave and adventurous took the cliff-top challenge at a charity abseil in Ramsgate on Saturday, raising more than £8,000 for good causes.

They took the plunge at Screaming Alley, on the West Cliff, to boost the funds of 14 different charities including the Thanet Extra’s charity of the year, Thanet Disabled Riding Centre.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team, who organised the event, said: "It was a fantastic turnout and we are delighted to have raised so much for so many good causes."

Dozens of thrill-seekers made the 80ft descent, including the Thanet Extra team of Martin Jefferies, Kelly Parr and Carly Nichols-Leary. They raised hundreds of pounds for Thanet Disabled Riding Centre, which is run entirely by volunteers and works with children with a range of learning and physical difficulties.

Martin said: "The abseil was pretty scary to start with, especially when you’re perched on the clifftop and about to go over the edge. But once you’ve taken your first couple of steps backwards, it’s actually really good fun."

Kelly said: "I’d like to say a really big thank-you to all the customers at the Mulberry Tree pub in Margate for their amazing support. Their donations will help Thanet Disabled Riding Centre to continue improving the lives of local children."

The event is expected to raise more than £8,000 and the money will be divided between Thanet Disabled Riding Centre, Ramsgate Carnival Committee, Macmillan Cancer Support, the Teenage Cancer Trust, Pilgrims Hospices, British Heart Foundation, Kent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, Help for Heroes, Stepahead Support, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Wildwood Trust, Beach Within Reach, Remodelling Romania and the children’s road safety department of the KM Charity Team.

The event was supported by Ramsgate Scaffolding, Thanet council and the Lookout Cafe. Leigh Bligh of the scaffolding company acted as the test abseiler, taking the drop before Laura Sandys, the MP for South Thanet, went down.

Video footage taken at the event is at www.kmcharitychallenge.co.uk