FINAL preparations are being made for an abseil in aid of a Chard church this weekend.

Chard Mayor Jenny Kenton and the vicar of St Mary’s Church, the Rev Sue Tucker, will scale down the side of the church on Saturday (April 19) from noon – and members of the public can have a go, too.

Money raised will go to a £125,000 project to fix the south side of the roof at St Mary’s, which members of the congregation have been fundraising for many years to repair.

After grants, including £83,000 from the English Heritage Lottery Fund, the church still needs to raise about £10,000 to £15,000.

Andy Sparrow, of Cave-Climb.com will run the abseil and the Mayor and Rev Tucker will do their abseil at 2pm.

The cost is £10 for adults and £5 for children aged between seven and 14. Refreshments and Easter eggs will be on offer on the day.

Mrs Kenton, not a fan of heights, told the News: “It isn’t something I want to do but I’m willing to do it for the church roof.”

Anyone who would like to sponsor the Mayor and Rev Tucker can take along donations on the day or leave hand-sealed envelopes at the Guildhall, which will pass them to the church.