AGE is proving to be no obstacle for people planning to take part in a high-rise challenge for the Courage for Cancer event.

People aged from 12 to 75 have been asking Thorpe Bay Rotary Club if they can take part in its abseil event, down the Civic Centre, in Victoria Avenue, Southend.

Places are still available for the event on Sunday, September 16.

The rotary club is looking for individuals and teams to take up the challenge and it is hoping employers might match the amount raised in sponsorship.

The money raised will go to charities in the town supporting cancer care for sufferers and their carers.

The primary aim will be to aid those cancer groups in Southend which support the less commonly known prostate and gynaecological cancers.

The club will also be donating money to other charities which provide cancer support.

Garry Lowen, club spokesman, said: "Many of the cancer patients in the town rely on family, friends and the various support groups which exist."

The entry fee is £20 and all entrants are asked to undertake to raise a minimum of £50 sponsorship each. Entry forms are available by phoning 01702 525514 or from the website www.thorpebayrotary.org.uk Last year, the club raised £12,000 for defibrillators for the gynaecological ward at Southend Hospital.

l The Echo earlier this week printed the club was organising a bike ride on Foulness on the same day. The club has asked us to point out that the bike ride is no longer taking place.