People are being invited to take part in a 60ft abseil down the Cheddar Gorge in aid of St Margaret's Hospice this Christmas.

The Santa Abseil event will take place on Sunday, December 1, and will see people take on the feat to raise money for the Taunton hospice.

It is sponsored by Blackdown Finance and will see participants don Santa outfits and abseil down the gorge with friends and family cheering them on.

Those taking part will receive a medal and mince pie at the bottom.

The event is open to all, regardless of abseiling experience.

Last year, 50 participants raised an impressive £12,500 for the hospice.

The hospice is hoping to raise even more this year.

One participant from last year, Phillippa, a receptionist at St Margaret's Hospice, took part with her daughter and raised more than £1,000.

She said: "If I can do it, anyone can.

"It was such a supportive experience, and the feeling of raising over £1,000 for a local charity at Christmas was unforgettable."

The hospice said the money raised makes a "huge difference" to its work.

It said: "Just raising the minimum sponsorship of £125 could provide vital family support for a child or young person grieving the loss of a parent - making your participation especially meaningful this Christmas season."

Participants are asked to raise at least £125 sponsorship prior to the event.

By taking part in the Santa Abseil and raising sponsorship, participants could pay for a specialist community nurse visit for one of the hospice’s patients being cared for at home.

The money also covers an hour’s support to one of St Margaret’s patients at home by one of their Adviceline nurses.

Tickets to this year’s Santa Abseil cost £35.

The hospice is encouraging everyone to get involved and make a difference this Christmas.

To secure a place for this year’s Santa Abseil, visit www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/santa-abseil.