Looking down on the world through the eyes of the Scouts

There is a panoramic view all around Bexhill to be enjoyed from the roof of Hastings Direct's headquarters at Conquest House, Collington Avenue.

But the ground is a dizzying five floors below and even on a brilliantly sunny Summer's morning the wind tugged and snatched at the ropes county Scout advisor for climbing and abseiling Tony Jordan and his assistants were rigging from a secure anchorage

Yet, far below, a queue of enthusiastic youngsters waited to be booked-in and harnessed-up for their big adventure.

An invitation had gone about across all eight Scout groups within Senlac district for volunteers willing to work hard in raising sponsorship money in return for allowing themselves to be lowered over Conquest House's lofty parapet and to abseil down its sheer brick west wall.

They were fund-raising so that Explorer Scouts can give up their time to fly to Uganda and Kenya and give practical help there to other young people.

Among the first to take a step out into the unknown off the Conquest House roof were Explorer Scouts Louise Mercer and Daniel Slidel. On Sunday they fly to Uganda to help rebuild a school in the village of Lukotaime. Louise and Daniel have already each raised 1,600 in order to take part.

But backing them on Sunday were youngsters like Christopher Hayward and Jacob Barton, of the Little Common Scout Group.

Both are just 11. Both had raised 60 for the privilege of abseiling off the roof.

Jacob told the Observer before his safety harness was clipped in place and he was given his final instructions: "I have done abseiling before - but only from half the height."

"Feet out! Legs straight! Keep going!" Tina Watts instructed as Jacob began his descent. Minutes later Jacob re-appeared on the roof - ready for a second descent of what would have petrified many any adult.