A daredevil dad made a real leap of faith and raised more than £800 in recognition of those who help his son.

Police officer Aidan Kelly, of Bridport Way, Braintree, scaled down the side of 110-foot water tower to raise funds for Parc Essex – a play and resource centre in Great Notley Country Park, which helps support parents of children with additional needs.

Mr Kelly, 43, described the resource as “invaluable”. His five-year-old son Luke, who is autistic, attends the centre twice a week.

About the abseil down Church Langley water tower last Saturday, he said: “It was great, I didn’t get nervous.

“The sun came out which made it a lot more pleasant.”

See Thursday's Braintree Times for the full story.