Kings of the swingers (From Western Telegraph)

Kings of the swingers

It wasnt so much raining cats and dogs as pouring wild animals under the Cleddau Bridge on Thursday.

Spectators at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel looked on in delight as a lion, tiger, hippo and giraffe inched their way down 160-foot ropes attached to the bridge gantry.

Inside the animal suits were veteran police force abseilers, PC Nick Bevan, PC Paul Managhan, PC Julian Jenkins and Sergeant Mike Allen; all with between six and eight years abseiling experience. They stopped several times on the way down to wave to the crowd and pose for photographers who circled in a boat on the Haven waters below.

The spectators at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel had gathered for the launch of the Noahs Ark Cleddau Bridge Abseil Challenge.

It is hoped the animals brave antics will inspire people to take part in the public abseil challenge on July 20th. Organisers want to see 500 people descend from the bridge, each having raised at least £500 towards the appeal.

To secure a place on the challenge, a deposit of £50 must be paid by the end of April. The remainder must be raised by June 20th. Chairman of the Noahs Ark Appeal, Lyn Davies said support for the challenge was coming from all corners of Wales. Funds raised will help build Wales first childrens hospital.

To take part in the challenge, visit www.cbac.fslife.co.uk or contact Ruth Verrier Jones at ruthvj@btinternet.com or on 029 2033 5017.

CAPTION

Expert police force abseilers make their 160 foot descent in their Oakwood sponsored wild animal suits. PICTURE: Western Telegraph.