A 82-year-old man is set to abseil down Peel Tower in memory of his wife.

David Berry, from Ramsbottom, will be among a group of up to 50 participants who will take on the challenge at the Holcombe Hill monument in aid of Bury Hospice, which cared for his late wife Lilian.

Lilian, who was married to David for more than 60 years, died in June last year after Bury Hospice provided support to her.

The event will take place at 9.30am on Saturday, July 16 and David will be among the oldest taking part.

David and Lilian's son Duncan, who will also be making his way down the iconic 128ft landmark, said: “It’s Bury Hospice who are running the event, and my dad goes every Tuesday to a walking club.

“He spends quite a bit of his social time up there as a thank you for the support they’ve given him when we lost my mum.

“I think he’s the oldest participant at 82.

"It was advertised on one of the notice boards in Bury Hospice and he said ‘I fancy having a go at that’ and we all looked at him strangely.

"Anyway he filled in the forms and asked who was going to do it with him.

“So, I stepped forward so he’s not doing it on his own but there will be between 70 and 90 participants on that morning doing it so it’s quite a big thing."

Duncan added: “It’s my dad’s way for supporting the hospice really and giving a bit back.

“But I don’t think there’s many 82-year-olds who would want to abseil 130ft down Peel Tower.”

The family has set up a crowdfunding page where funds raised will be going to the hospice. To visit the page click here.