MAYORESS Janet Neal (pictured) is terrified of heights.

But she will take the plunge from the Army Death Slide when she attends the annual Mayor's Charity Day in Newhallhey, Rawtenstall, on Sunday.

Rossendale's First Lady was persuaded by town crier Peter Gill to climb to the top of the 50ft slide.

She said: "I'm very nervous. I suffer from vertigo. After I had agreed I wondered what I had let myself in for.

"But now I have promised I will just have to close my eyes and go ahead with it."

The event will start with a procession led by a cavalcade of 40 classic cars.

There will also be an Army display team, a show by Rossendale Dog Training Club, more than 20 stalls run by charities, entertainment from the Britannia Coconutters and Shawforth Majorettes and several bands.

The animal emergency services will be represented by Hedgehog Rescue, Pike View Animal Centre and Bat Rescue.

The event will run from 11am to 5pm.