A DARING duo of military veterans with a combined age of 161 are gearing up for an abseil down Llandudno's Great Orme.

Fearless Keith Jones, 82, and Lawrence Clayton, 79, will lower themselves over the edge to raise funds for specialist support project Change Step.

Both men have benefitted from Change Step’s Aged Veterans project, offered by the the peer mentoring service for former members of the Armed Forces.

Since joining the project, former Commando Keith, of Llandudno, has been able to attend a Royal Marines reunion in Lympstone. He said hearing the band play on his former parade ground made him feel like he was a 17-year-old new recruit again.

The widower said: "I used to love abseiling and all the physical activities when I was in the Marines, so when I was told about this abseil I said 'I’ll do it.’

“I’ve been on pins over whether the doctor would sign a note for me – but I’ve been passed fit, and he’s told me if go back with my form then he’ll sponsor me."

Lawrence, who is from Llanrhaeadr near Denbigh, completed two years of national service with the 34 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery – including spells in Malaya and Hong Kong.

He said: "I’ve always wanted to do something like this and I’ll have a go at anything.

"I never knew anything like Change Step existed, but it’s good to be able to talk to people who have had similar experiences."

Change Step is working with qualified instructors at Great Orme Vertical and staff at the Rest and Be Thankful café to deliver the fundraising event, which is suitable for both experienced abseilers and complete beginners, on Sunday October 28.

Those with a head for heights, have until Thursday, October 25 (midnight) to register for the event. Participants are asked to pay a £20 registration fee and raise a minimum of £50.

To register telephone Sam on 01492 523821 or email samantha.jones@cais.org.uk

Alternatively, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/changestepabseil