A PEEBLES hotel team have been dubbed “fundraising heroes” after completing an iconic challenge.

Workers from the Tontine Hotel made their way to South Queensferry to take part in the Forth Bridge Abseil.

The event, run by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS), attracted hundreds of participants who abseiled 165 feet from the bridge onto the sandy beach below.

Joe Starkie was part of the Tontine Hotel team that took part in the challenge.

He said: “Taking part in the Forth Bridge Abseil was a fantastic experience. There was a great atmosphere on the day and we all really enjoyed it.

“I have family and friends who have experienced heart attack and strokes so I know first hand the importance of raising funds for a charity like Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland so it can continue to raise awareness and provide much-needed support.”

The event has been running since 2003, returning last year after a break due to pandemic restrictions.

So far this year it has raised more than £120,000 for CHSS, further enabling the charity to support the one in five people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.

Jayne Forbes, assistant director of fundraising at CHSS, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who took part in this iconic fundraising event for CHSS and other charities across Scotland.

“It is incredibly inspiring to watch people take on this challenge.

“You can see just how important it is for them to support charities that are close to their hearts – they are real fundraising heroes!”