TWO groups of brave individuals took to the heights of County Hall to raise funds for a local charity.

About 12 people took part in the 100ft abseil on May 2 to raise funds for Mold counselling hub, a registered charity and mental health support service.

It was a tick off the bucket list for Connah's Quay man John Douglas, who wants to do as many activities as he can before he loses his sight.

Video and images by Aaliyah Rugg

After being diagnosed with a macular condition, Mr Douglas is slowly losing his sight in both eyes.

He told the Leader: "I wanted to get things done while I could still see things. I'm losing my sight and it's slowly deteriorating so I wanted to get things done before I lose it completely.

"The charity itself has been a big help to me so that's one of the reasons why I'm doing it. The woman who runs the organisation has been a great help and when she said there was a few positions available I said I'd give it a go.

"I was really looking forward to it. I've never done anything like this before but I'm planning on doing the big zip-wire in Snowdon as well this year.

"The charity really has helped me, I suffered depression with health issues as I've got nerve damage in my legs as well and I got quite down but they've been a great help so when the opportunity for me to help them came up, I took it."

Taking to the heights included Mayor of Mold Karen Hodkinson, Deputy Mayor Tim Maunders, chair of OWL crime prevention Bill Brereton and Connah's Quay councillor, Eric Faulkner.

Cllr Eric Faulkner, 75, raised almost £200 for the charity, adding: "I'm used to working in the building industry having worked on construction and been on high rise buildings so this doesn't scare me. In fact, I was looking forward to it."

Dozens of people kept their feet safely on the ground to go and watch those brave enough to face the dizzying heights of County Hall in Mold.

Cheryl Samuel was the first person out of the two groups to take part in the experience.

She said: "Ever since I went into high school, at the age of 11 I've always looked at the building and wanting to climb to the top of it. I drive past it every day and I'm always reminded that I want to give it a go.

"Now that I've done it, it feels almost unbelievable, but what an experience."