A BEEF farmer and former Hampshire NFU chairman netted £3,500 for charity by abseiling down Portsmouth’s Emirates Spinnaker Tower.

David Ashcroft, who farms in Selborne and is a parish and district councillor, undertook the challenge to raise money for the charities Southern Domestic Abuse Service and Medical Detection Dogs.

He said: “Considering I am afraid of heights, the £3,500 total I raised has made it all worth it. My jump was put back by a week from April 30 to May 7, which made me even more nervous, but it was managed by professionals who made it as easy as possible.

And Mr Ashcroft added: “I have been astonished at the generosity of donors and would like to thank everyone who supported me.”

Mr Ashcroft undertook the fundraising as part of his civic duties as the then chairman of East Hampshire District Council, wearing his chain of office over an NFU shirt, as he made his descent. He was supported by the NFU and NFU Mutual (Alton branch).