Long drop: the 15th century tower

Vicar John Aldis and doctors and nurses from Watford General Hospital pledged to abseil down the church tower to raise money.

Reverend Aldis told BBC News Online that the church had offered its tower for the event, but he had not planned on taking part, until he realised that it was assumed that he would.

He said: "Once I got started It was great fun - I'd never done abseiling before."

"Once I got over the parapet it wasn't too bad, but I feel much better now I've done it."

The church offered to host the charity event in aid of the Dick Edmonds Stroke Appeal.

The charity was set up by Mr Edmonds' family in appreciation for the level of care he received after a fatal stroke last year.

Supporters hope to raise �100,000 to equip a specialist stroke unit at Watford General.

Reverend Aldis said the event on Saturday raised about �4,000 toward the amount.