A pensioner from Laxey will be taking the plunge next week to raise money for an arthritis charity.

Bob Leith, of Baldhoon Road, will be joined by Health Minister Kate Beecroft and the pair will abseil off Maughold Head to raise money for Arthritis Care Ellan Vannin.

’The charity has a Manx branch that’s completely independent so anything we make stays in the Isle of Man,’ Mr Leith said.

At 82, it will be his first venture into abseiling, supported by the Isle of Man Venture Centre, but he did a charity swim a couple of years ago raising more than £1,600 for Live at Home.

’I’ve no particular target, but I’d like to raise at least as much again,’ he said.

Potential sponsors can contact [email protected] or the charity.