AS a former RAF man who flew with Bomber Command in the second world war, dealing with heights was all part of the job.

However, when you are aged 91 abseiling down Meldon Viaduct, and dangling in mid-air with only a harness and a length of rope between you and oblivion it can be quite a frightening experience.

But George Heathman, formerly of Bridestowe and who now lives in Okehampton, was determined to 'give it a go' to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care in the Meldon Abseil.

His brave efforts raised more than £1,000 for the charity, far exceeding his hopes of £600 — with donations still coming in.

George told the Times: 'I found it difficult to crawl through the many struts and braces from the end of the viaduct to the launch point.

'Having short legs it was difficult to make it but a young lady following me was able to give me a leg up.'

Mr Heathman, a retired undertaker, said that he was more than happy to support Marie Curie Cancer Care, as they had done a marvellous job in nursing him when he needed their services.

He added: 'As a funeral director I have unfortunately seen many young people taken away by cancer in their prime of life.

'I had, myself, prostrate cancer and a big operation, and the nurses then were really good to me, dressing my wounds and being very caring.'

George did admit the organisers of the abseil were a bit surprised when he turned up as they did not expect somebody in their nineties to take part.

'Well, on the application form,' said George, 'it did say you had to be aged over 20 and under 18 stone, so I didn't see any problem!'