ADRENALINE junkies are getting ready to abseil 130ft down the side of the Jurys Inn Hotel this weekend.

The Big Abseil is being held on Saturday August 5 and Sunday August 6 to raise money for the 1st Dorcan Scout Group and any other local organisations that brave participants want to support.

It's the biggest fundraising event the scouting group has ever done and more than 200 daredevils and thrillseekers of all ages have bought tickets to abseil down the hotel in the heart of the town centre.

The scouts themselves will also be taking part in the event, which starts at 10am and ends at 4pm on both days.

James Deavin, Cub Leader at 1st Dorcan, said: “All our children aged six to 14 have visited Rockstar Climbing Centre more than six times in the last year, practising their rope skills and testing their nerve at height, with them all excited with the prospect of being sent over the edge.

“Our adventurous activities throughout the year are financially supported by all of our fundraising events, which in turn allow more children to take park by getting outdoors and active.”

Teaching assistant Sarah Forbes from Liden is taking on the challenge to raise money for improvements to the woodland wildlife area at her workplace The Chalet School, a primary school for children with autism.

She's already beaten her target of £200 and is well on the way to raising £500 to pay for a greenhouse, fruit tree and new poly tunnel at the school.

The 54-year-old said: "I saw the Big Abseil post on Facebook just over a month ago and signed up, I think it was a moment of madness to be honest.

"Then I thought it would be good to raise money for the school, it's a wonderful place and the children are fantastic, they always brighten my day.

"I've never done anything this adventurous before and I'm a bit nervous, I think I'll need a stiff drink afterwards.

"My 14-year-old daughter Naomi is doing it with me, she's not afraid of anything and I think she's looking forward to it more than I am."

All participants will arrive at 10am on either of the two days and receive a safety briefing, equipment and training before preparing to abseil down the side of the hotel in the heart of the town centre.

Spectators will be watching the action from a designated viewing area and parking will be available at the Spring Gardens multi-storey car park.

Richard Bennett, Local Scouting Manager in Swindon, said: “This amazing event shows just what scouting is about - enabling all of us, young and old, to take part in something different, adventurous and exciting.

"Scouting allows a six-year-old to spend their first night away from home, a 10-year-old to travel abroad, a 14-year-old to experience challenging and unique activities, and much, much more.”

For more information, visit thebigabseil.co.uk

To donate to Sarah's cause, visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sarah-forbes