Croydon’s 74-year-old Deputy Mayor will be reaching new heights as he takes part in a charity abseil next month.

Councillor Tony Harris, a keen rock climber, has signed up to Croydon Commitment’s abseil on March 22.

He will be abseiling from the top of Jurys Inn, Croydon, which is 12 storeys high.

Croydon Commitment hosts a number of fundraising activities to help provide grants and support to local charities.

Cllr Harris said: “I used to teach abseiling and, for such a good cause, this was an opportunity not to be missed, although all of the equipment has changed since I last did it.

“I’m lucky that my oldest of my four grandkids lives close to Harrison Rocks in Kent and, like me, he is a keen rock climber so we spend a lot of time there climbing.

“It’s more than likely I will be the oldest person taking part in Jump Croydon, I guess most people have grown up by the time they get to my age.”

Individuals or teams can take part in the abseil.

A non-refundable £15 registration fee is required at the time of booking and participants must be aged 16 or above and commit to raising £100 in individual sponsorship.

To register, email croydoncommitment-mm@mottmac.com or call 020 8774 3680.