TWO daring Newton Abbot College students have braved a freefall abseil as part of their efforts to raise money to work in a poverty-stricken community in Tanzania.

Eleanor Skinner and Grace Jacobs took the plunge to abseil 151ft down Meldon Viaduct near Okehampton.

They are bidding to raise enough cash to spend a month next year volunteering in a Tanzanian village with a charity called Camps International.

They will be helping the village in various ways including digging wells, renovating classrooms, building huts or whatever is required at the time.

They will also have the opportunity to help teach English to young children in the village.

Of the money they raise, 40 per cent goes directly to the community which benefits from the financial funding as well as receiving free labour.

The girls will also experience a character-building and life changing trip.

The abseil was the latest in a line of fundraising activities the girls have organised.

Eleanor has been selling unwanted items at car boot sales, making felt Christmas decorations which she has sold at local fetes and a sponsored run.

So far she has raised £1,946 of the £3,790 required.

She said: ‘I am really proud of this figure as it hasn’t been easy.

‘Learning how to plan an event has been as much of a life lesson as I imagine the actual trip will be.’

Her next project will be a salsa dancing evening on June 3 at Newton Abbot Recreation centre.

She has arranged for two guest teachers from London to run the event which will involve two hours of lessons followed by social dancing.

Eleanor has also set up an online blog about her experiences which is at www.eleanorsbigadventure.weebly.com where donations can also be made.