Leicester mayor Sir Peter Soulsby takes the plunge in charity abseil

Sir Peter Soulsby has taken the plunge from the side of a 100ft building for a charity abseil.

The mayor was one of 100 people who lowered themselves off the side the Ramada Encore hotel, on the corner of Charles Street and Halford Street, Leicester city centre, to support Leicester Charity Link.

Sir Peter, who last abseiled in 1989, dangled briefly high above a cheering crowd of onlookers before eventually lowering himself safely to the ground.

He said: “It was amazing. I wanted to go straight back up and do it again to be honest. It was quite a feeling.

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“I wasn’t nervous beforehand but I had checked the small print to see if there was anything that said someone older than 62 couldn’t to it and sadly there wasn’t.

“It was great fun but the most important thing was to support Leicester Charity Link. It is a fantastic organisation which supports many people in real need in this city.”

Each year, the charity helps more than 5,000 people in the city who are experiencing poverty by providing basic items such as beds and cookers.

The mayor did the abseil along with The High Sheriff of Leicestershire Richard Brooks and his wife Diana.

Mr Brooks, 58, said: “It was very exhilarating but strange to lean back into a void. I enjoyed it but I was hoping none of the hotel guests would open their curtains to be greeted by the strange sight of me and my wife dropping by.”

Leicester Charity Link director of marketing Sue McEniff was the first abseiler of the day.

She said: “It was terrifying but you have to lead by example. I’d like to thank all the people who took part and the hotel. Everyone has been really supportive and there has been a real buzz about the day.

Each participant pledged to raise £100 in the hope of generating £10,000 for the charity.

The event was organised by Sileby-based PR firm The Phoenix Partners.