A PEMBROKE Dock businessman is issuing a challenge to other retailers – to follow his lead by taking the 130-foot bungee jump challenge off the Cleddau Bridge.

James Parfitt, a member of the Bungee off the Bridge organising committee, joined dozens of jumpers for the white-knuckle challenge last year.

“I had persuaded 100 people to do the jump in 2015 so there was no way I was going to persuade another 100 to participate last year if I didn’t do it myself,’’ said James, a member of the Pembroke Dock Town Team, who runs family-owned Parfitt’s Carpets.

He is now challenging other retailers to take the plunge for the third-ever bungee off the bridge, and is suggesting that locals vote for the business person or public figure they would most like to see strapped to that bungee cord on the August 19 or 20.

“I am sure everyone has someone in mind and provided they are fit and healthy I am sure they would be up for the challenge,’’ laughed James.

“I didn’t have time to think about my own jump because I was so busy helping with organising everything; it was when I was perched on the platform that the adrenalin kicked in.

“The bungee team are very encouraging and with a gentle helping hand I launched myself off. I was told mine was the best dive they had seen that day. I definitely needed a beer that afternoon.’’

The Town Team needs to secure 130 bookings to enable the two-day event to go ahead on the August Bank Holiday weekend and is edging towards its target – but with the June 23 deadline imminent, it is urging people to sign up now.

Since its inception in 2015, the event has raised more than £30,000 for local good causes, including the Paul Sartori Foundation.

Jumpers are not obligated to raise money for charity, many pay the entry fee of £150 only.

The bungee jump was the idea of former Town Team chairman, Lee Griffiths, as a means of drawing visitors to Pembroke Dock.

Retailers will be providing vouchers with special deals in the bungee packs and will also run other offers for visitors that weekend.

To nominate a retailer to follow James’s lead tweet your nominations to #PDbungeechallenge or visit https://en-gb.facebook.com/bungeeoffthebridge. To book a place visit bungeeoffthebridge.wales