Rotherham vicar and Sheffield Bishop take abseiling leap of faith

Two clergymen have descended 42ft (12.8m) from the bell tower of Rotherham Minster to kick start a £3m redevelopment scheme.

Rev Canon Phil Batchford and the Rt Revd Dr Pete Wilcox both donned their clerical robes to abseil inside the historical building.

The pair descended into the central transept.

Canon Batchford said he wanted to ensure the "incredible building" stood "for another 1,000 years"

The Minster - formerly known as All Saints' Parish Church - has dominated the space over All Saints Square in Rotherham town centre for more than 500 years.

However, Canon Batchford who is the vicar of the minster, said the building needed "reordering internally".

The canon said the Grade I listed building should become a "modern space" to meet the changing needs of people who use it, "from concerts and exhibitions, to choral singing and food support for those in need".

He said the fundraising campaign called "Building Hope in the Heart of Rotherham" would also help restore the building's Snetzler Organ, built in 1777.

"Rotherham Minster is an incredible building and one that lies in the heart of the place and we need to ensure it is here for another 1,000 years," he said.

Canon Batchford said he and Bishop Wilcox had chosen an "unusual way to raise awareness".

"We believe that this is the first time any UK Bishop has ever abseiled down from a bell tower inside any minster in the UK," a spokesperson for Rotherham Minster said.

Following their exploits Canon Batchford described the experience as "terrifying" especially the "leaning out bit".

Meanwhile the Bishop of Sheffield, said: "I could see the concern on Phil's face, which fed into my fear, but once it was clear it was holding my weight I quite enjoyed the descent down."

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