Cinema worker Val Smith had a hair-raising time leaping from the top of Burnley's highest building.

Val was abseiling down the Keirby Hotel when her flowing locks got caught in the rope - 50ft in the air.

She and her colleagues from Hollywood Park multiplex were taking part in a charity fund-raiser inspired by the new action blockbuster GI Jane.

But unlike the star of the film, Demi Moore, Val didn't shave her head for the role.

Cinema boss Andrew Smith watched the drama from below.

"We heard this almighty scream and saw that Val's hair was caught in the pull-ring," he said.

"Somehow she managed to free herself and get down safely, but she's pulled the skin off her knuckles in the process.

"But she wasn't deterred - she went back for a second go, which went perfectly.

"Now she just needs a visit to the hair- dresser."

Andrew got into a tangle himself: "I only went to watch but they persuaded me to have a go. I was wearing a suit, and my tie got caught in the pull ring half way down."

He added: "As I was on my way down I passed a chap eating his lunch inside. He didn't seem surprised and we just waved to each other."

The stunt has so far raised £120 for Coldwell Inn, the disabled people's outdoor activity centre on the moors above Nelson.

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