A vicar and a blind woman are planning to abseil off their church's bell tower to raise funds for its restoration.

Reverend Simon Talbott, of St Martin’s Church in Epsom, who has never abseiled before, has volunteered to take the plunge on Saturday, May 26, at the church's jubilee fair.

Keen to raise as much as possible the vicar said: "I am being very clear that my price is high for this kind of activity and I am hoping to raise a four figure sum myself on this occasion."

Several members of the congregation have signed up to the challenge including a blind lady who is a member of the congregation.

Carole Sharpe said: "I want to help raise the necessary money to refurbish our bells and I want to feel the experience of coming down the tower wall.

"The people at St Martin's are very welcoming and have accepted me for who I am and not the fact that I am blind.

"And it’s a special thank you to Epsom Bellringers, to the choir at St Martin's, and all among them who have given me the opportunity to learn the music of singing and the joy of ringing bells again."

The church is hoping to raise £14,000 to refurbish the 10 bells at the church and manage the upkeep of the bell tower which was built in the 15th century.

A complete refurbishment of the bells, which have been ringing in Epsom for the last 450 years, is planned for August this year.

Anyone over the age of 10 can take part with a registration fee of £25 for adults and £15 for those aged 17 and under with a minimum sponsorship of £150 and £75 respectively.

For more information, to make a donation or to take part in the abseil visit stmartinsepsom.org, email margaret@epsomringing.org, or call 01372 722567