A BRAVE Sticklepath youngster who took on the challenge of abseiling down the entrance tower at Castle Drogo for Cancer Research UK has far exceeded her charity target.

Jennifer Howard, aged 12, was the youngest person to take part in the daring challenge earlier this month — and her bravery has collected her £350 for her chosen charity.

Jennifer's proud mum Helen Howard, who watched nervously from the foot of the 100ft tower, said it was an 'incredible day'.

'I think she did very well,' she said. 'There was no platform for them to stand on, and you literally had to launch yourself into thin air.

'Quite a few of her friends came to watch her — I had to give the video to someone else, I couldn't hold it — even my husband said the camera was shaking.'

Jennifer's abseil was even more remarkable, as she suffers from Prader Willi Syndrome — a rare condition which means she has learning difficulties and problems with co-ordination.

Helen said: 'I gather she told her teacher she was getting a bit nervous about the abseil, but she didn't really display any nervousness at all — she was quite incredible.'

Around 100 people took part in the charity abseil at Castle Drogo, and the total raised for charity was approximately £15,000.