The Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Khadim Hussain put his chains – not to mention nerves – to one side to abseil from the roof of an eight-storey city centre hotel.

Coun Hussain was among more than 50 volunteers, including students from Grange Technology College, who braved driving rain to take the plunge down the side of the Jury’s Inn Hotel to raise money for the Lord Mayor’s charity, Bradford Disability Sport and Leisure.Coun Hussain said he had been nervous, but it had been for a good cause.

“My mouth was dry and my stomach was turning somersaults,” he said. “It only took two or three minutes, but it felt like two or three hours. I took inspiration from a young lady who went before me. She had been too nervous to do it previously, but had plucked up the courage.

“I am glad I have done it. I hope it will make a difference.”

The weather meant the cancellation of the teddy bear zipwire challenge at Bradford Cathedral.