A DAREDEVIL curate proved he has a head for heights when he abseiled 35 feet down his church tower.
More than 100 people watched as the Rev Steve Cooper donned a red helmet and safety gear then launched himself down a rope from the old tower at St James', Altham.
His daring stunt launched a £35,000 appeal to fix the leaning tower and rewire the church.
Mr Cooper said: "It was just a case of leaning back and walking down the tower really.
"I would like to thank Sean Stephens and Mark Grey - the technicians who ensured my safety!"
His stunt has raised more than £750 towards the appeal.
Work on the church is estimated at about £35,000, and parishioners have to raise most of the money themselves, although they have applied for funding from the English Heritage Trust.
A committee is now planning future events to swell the total as quickly as possible and will collect at churches throughout Hyndburn.
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