FUNDRAISERS gathered near the Newport Transporter Bridge today to take part in a charity zip wire.

Event organisers Zip Slides UK believed around £10,000 was raised for various charities between 80 participants during the one-day event.

The 50 metre high launch point was located on the bridge itself, with “zippers” landing on the football field at Coronation Park below.

Dean Cubbit, from Cwmbran, took part wearing only his boxer shorts.

Mr Cubbit, who raised around £250 for homeless charity Llamau, said: “I was challenged to do it in my underwear if I raised £200, and I did.

“I was booked in to do this months ago but I only started to think about it when it all came up on Facebook.

“I’ve done sky dives for charity in the past – this kind of thing is a good way of raising money.”

Seven “zippers” were from Action for Children charity, including Helen Bryant of Pontlottyn, who had raised £220 ahead of her zip ride. She said: “I’m absolutely petrified but knowing you’ve raised that money means you just got to do it.”

Ian Weeks, director of Zip Slides UK, said Newport’s Transporter Bridge provided a nice setting for the event. He said: “We travel around the country and we visit iconic structures like this one.

“Charities book their places months in advance and then sell their spaces on to their supporters who take part in the event.”

He added: “It’s the main one we do in south Wales. It’s all for charity and it’s always a good thing when people come out to these events.”