The Mayor of Colchester is preparing to take the plunge ... from the borough's tallest landmark.

Ray Gamble will be joined by members of the town watch, in full regalia, when he abseils 90ft (28 metres) down the Jumbo water tower.

Mr Gamble and the Harwich mayor and mayoress, David McLeod and Helen Gallagher, are among 75 volunteers who have signed up to make the descent in aid of the Marie Curie Nursing Service in Essex.

Developer George Braithwaite, who recently bought Jumbo - England's largest surviving Victorian water tower - has promised to be the first man down the rope at the September 1 event.

Organisers hope to find 50 more recruits in advance of the big day, as they bid to raise £12,000 from sponsorship pledges and £15 entrance fees.