A 75-YEAR-old granddad from East Cliff is dressing as a Power Ranger to abseil from a church tower to raise money for charity.

Roy Lock has signed up for a superhero-themed abseil from the top of St Peter's Church, based in Bournemouth town centre, on Saturday, March 19, from 9am to 5pm.

The event has been organised by the charity, CLIC Sargent, which fundraises for children who have been diagnosed with cancer, as a show of bravery and heroism, with hopes of collectively raising £12,000 for the cause.

Roy said: "It's a good cause. I have a couple of grandchildren and we're very lucky that they are very healthy, but some people sadly aren't so fortunate.

"You can never raise enough money for them."

Roy said that as president of Boscombe Cliff Bowling Club for this year, they choose a different cause to support annually and this year CLIC Sargent has been selected. As a result, when he heard about the superhero abseil, he was keen to put himself forward for it.

"I had to get a medical certificate from my doctor, who said that medically I was sound, but joked that mentally I must be mad to take part."

Asked if he had ever done something like this before, he said: "I have done a bit of rock climbing and tree climbing in my youth, so a fear of heights has never been something to bother me."

He said that he went to the fancy dress shop and chose the first superhero-type costume he saw. "I think you have to do silly things to get money out of people for charity."

Joy Morley, community fundraising manager for CLIC Sargent, said: "I am so excited for the abseil and everyone has been so enthusiastic about the event.

"I really appreciate the efforts that Roy Lock and the other participants are putting in. We also have Bananaman joining us for the abseil.

"I urge anyone in the area to come along on the day and see the superheroes for themselves and show their support."

Registration is £25 per person and participants need to fill out a medical form. They are also asked to raise a minimum of £150 each.

For more information and to sign up, email Joy.morley@clicsargent.org.uk, call 01392 314674 or go to Clicsargent.org.uk/event