In an odd role reversal members of the public helped rescuers from the RNLI by abseiling down cliffs at Kynance Cove at the weekend.

The Lizard lifeboat volunteer crew and shore crew members are more used to rescuing people fallen off cliffs, but they slithered down rocks at the cove on the Lizard peninsula with help from the public on Saturday.

David Issitt, a member of the shore crew at The Lizard lifeboat station, chose the site after coming up with the idea of the event, which raised funds by having people descend the height of Mount Everest in 25 metre stints.

David, a keen climbing enthusiast, organised the event at Kynance Cove with assistance from JP Eatock, owner of Lizard Adventure, a local business that specialises in outdoor activities.

Mike Lord, chairman of The Lizard lifeboat station, said: “What a great idea it was. Everyone had a super, |exciting time in perfect weather and wonderful surroundings - and raised money for The Lizard lifeboat at the same time. Many thanks to everyone – organisers, crew, volunteers and all the happy abseilers – who helped make it such a memorable time.”

The rock face was just over 25 metres high and was selected as it had a route to allow participants to walk back up to the cliff top.

The event was attended by people of all ages with the youngest at only five years old, who was accompanied over the cliff by JP.

The event was well attended with over 163 abseils recorded, making an overall height of 4,100 metres, higher than if Mount Everest had been abseiled down from peak to base camp, in just eight hours. The event has raised over £500.