A daredevil dad will be making a real leap of faith by tackling a charity abseil in recognition of those who help his son.

Police officer Aidan Kelly, of Bridport Way, Braintree, will scale down the side of 110-foot water tower to raise funds for Parc Essex - a play and resource centre in Great Notley Country Park, which helps support parents of children with additional needs.

Mr Kelly, 43, described the resource as “invaluable” after his five-year-old son Luke, who is autistic, attends the centre twice a week.

He said: “Luke does the afterschool club and he also goes on a Sunday morning.

“He spends a bit of time having fun and playing in the sensory room and soft play, he gets the chance to have a play with crafts and stuff.

“He really likes going there.

“It’s invaluable to us - we would be lost without it."

See this week's Braintree and Witham Times for the full story.