PLUCKY pensioner June Richards is celebrating approaching her 70th birthday by zipping across a river valley.

The adventurous Upton great-gran’s latest money-raising venture was to take part in a superheroes-themed zip wire event in Somerset to raise funds for Action for Children.

No stranger to daring challenges, the chairman of Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council has raised more than £30,000 for various charities over the years.

She has tackled a 100km walk along the Great Wall of China, a parachute jump, half-marathon walks in New York and San Francisco and a trek along Hadrian’s Wall, among others.

With four sons, three step-daughters and a stepson, 23 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren, she has decided to raise funds for vulnerable and neglected children, raising £672.

“I am fortunate enough to have a fantastic family around me and had a great start in life, but there are many vulnerable children and young people out there who don’t have the same opportunities,” she said.

“Action for Children does some amazing work and it’s great that I’ll be doing something worthwhile for the charity while having a lot of fun on the zip wire.”

The retired financial analyst turns 70 in April and said of her zip-wire challenge: “It was great. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just stepping off into nothing was the scary bit – but I’d do it again.”

She raised £336 in sponsorship, which was match-funded by Barclays, her former employer and wore the bank’s blue T-shirt for her adventure.

“Some said I should have been Supergran,” she said.

Fifteen fundraisers in fancy dress took part, including Ros Firmstows from Winfrith.

Action for Children fundraiser Liz Thatcher said: “We are thrilled that June took part in our zip wire event.

“Clearly she is no stranger to a challenge and it is great that she is doing this in celebration of her 70th birthday.

“What a fantastic lady.”

For more information about the charity visit actionforchildren.org.uk