An 81-year-old daredevil pensioner who has had both hips and knees replaced has successfully abseiled down Maughold Head to raise cash for charity.

Bob Leith, from Laxey, was raising the money for Arthritis Care Ellan Vannin and has so far raised around £300, which he hopes will increase to £500.

It was the first time the pensioner had abseiled and he said: ’There was a slight problem after I started the descent, when I slipped off one of the wet rocks and hit the cliff wall with my left side.

’My left lower arm was cut and a piece of skin taken off below the elbow and I bruised my ribs.

’After leaving the venture centre they advised me to visit Ramsey Cottage Hospital where they put fresh dressings on and checked my ribs, which fortunately were just badly bruised.’

Health and Social Care Minister Kate Beecroft MHK, who has also had a hip replaced and is waiting for second replacement, was also intending to do the abseil but was advised by the venture centre that the climb up from the beach afterwards may be too much due to discomfort in her achilles tendon and hip.

Ms Beecroft did the practice abseils at the venture centre but could not do the abseil on the day.

Bob said: ’I could tell that she had been in a fair amount of pain during the morning, so she very reluctantly conceded.

’She really deserves praise for her determination and going as far as she did when she was in so much pain.

’Although I decided to carry on, I found the pathway up from the beach very daunting, but was helped by four of the guys from the venture centre, otherwise I would still be there.’

Bob was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1994 and osteo-arthritis a year or so later.

He had his first hip replacement in 2007, followed later by two knee replacements, then his last hip replacement in 2012.

He was born in Wakefield in West Yorkshire and joined the RAF aged 18 doing national service. In 1955 he joined the West Riding Constabulary and was stolen vehicle investigating officer for the area.

For the last 10 years of his working life, from 1984 to 1994, Bob was a tutor and swimming teacher for special needs children and adults on the island, employed by the Department of Education, at Glencrutchery Special School. .

Ms Beecroft said: ’Bob is a long-time friend. It is an excellent cause.’