An abseiling vicar led the way as villagers took the plunge to raise funds for their church.

Rev Mark Capron was the first down the 75ft tower of St Nicholas Church at Dersingham, near King's Lynn on Bank Holiday Monday.

Eastern Daily Press: Rev Mark Capron begins his abseilRev Mark Capron begins his abseil (Image: Chris Bishop)

He was followed by 50 parishioners raising money for a new kitchen and accessible toilets at the 14th century building.

"I'm a little excited to get it done now, we're looking forward to a good day for the community," Rev Capron said before taking to the lofty tower.

Eastern Daily Press: Rev Mark Capron passes the clock on his way down the tower at St Nicholas Church in DersinghamRev Mark Capron passes the clock on his way down the tower at St Nicholas Church in Dersingham (Image: Chris Bishop)

On reaching terra firma a few minutes later to be the first to collect a certificate for completing the challenge, he admitted: "I didn't look down until I was half way down."

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Eastern Daily Press: Rev Mark Capron makes his way down the towerRev Mark Capron makes his way down the tower (Image: Chris Bishop)

Some of those descending on Monday had taken part in a previous abseil at the church in October, 2021.

They included retired teacher Martin Holland, who said: "I did it last time and it was easier then but I'm older now, I'm 85."

Eastern Daily Press: Martin Holland on his way down the towerMartin Holland on his way down the tower (Image: Chris Bishop)

Rev Capron's son Joel, 15, was another returning for another trip down the tower.

"It was really good, a really experience," he said. "I did it last time and I really enjoyed it."

Eastern Daily Press: Joel Capron, 15, follows his father Martin down the towerJoel Capron, 15, follows his father Martin down the tower (Image: Chris Bishop)

Villager Mellissa McSweeney, 39, said there were no butterflies beforehand, adding: "I'm shaking now I'm at the bottom." 

As well as the abseil, the church hosted stalls and refreshments, drawing hundreds of villagers.

Eastern Daily Press: Melissa McSweeney takes part in the abseilMelissa McSweeney takes part in the abseil (Image: Chris Bishop)

The appeal for new kitchen and loos has so far raised upwards of £87,000 towards the £120,000 needed to complete the project, with grant applications in the pipeline to help push it over the mark.

The parochial church council says the new facilities will make it a more welcoming place both for church members and the community.

Eastern Daily Press: St Nicholas Church, at Dersingham, where the abseil took placeSt Nicholas Church, at Dersingham, where the abseil took place (Image: Chris Bishop)

Eastern Daily Press: Rev Mark Capron and his son Joel, after the pair abseiled down the tower at St Nicholas Church, at DersinghamRev Mark Capron and his son Joel, after the pair abseiled down the tower at St Nicholas Church, at Dersingham (Image: Chris Bishop)