THE Salvation Army in Hampshire and Dorset are desperately trying to recruit volunteers for a daredevil fundraising event.

God's Army needs to raise thousands of pounds for its work locally, and has been offered a chance to fundraise through a sponsored zip slide.

Debbie Vickers, community fundraiser for the Salvation Army, contacted the Daily Echo this week and appealed for the help of Echo readers.

She said: "Zip slides consist of a rope fixed to the top of a tall natural or manmade structure, and then led to the ground some distance away from the structure forming a taut angular slide.

"Participants are attached to the line via a harness and pulleys and then slide down the line to the ground.

"Ziplining is one of the latest 'adrenaline sports'. Sliding down a line suspended from a great height to the ground takes courage, determination and a little madness."

The Salvation Army has teamed up with a top event company to offer people the chance to experience the thrill of a zip slide and, at the same time, raise much needed funds.

Debbie says that no previous experience is required, but candidates must "enjoy a challenge and consider themselves brave".

The fundraiser says various dates are available throughout the summer, and through the ziplining she hopes to raise thousands of pounds to help maintain existing commitments.

She said: "Whenever a major incident occurs, the Salvation Army is there to help carry out essential tasks such as evacuation, providing food and shelter, counselling and chaplaincy services, mortuary assistance and handling enquiries about missing persons.

"We provide emergency feeding to fire-fighters and other uniformed personnel caught up in the thick of the action.

"Our Red Shield mobile emergency units not only assist the Emergency Services but also go out to various locations during the week to feed the homeless."

The Salvation Army also needs funds for its drop-in centres and hostels for the homeless, as well as emergency accommodation and refuges for women and children.

"Our Charity Shops provide clothes and furniture together with cash relief to people in need," said Debbie.

"We provide Care in the Community for the elderly and various clubs to combat loneliness and isolation together with bathing facilities, chiropody, stroke clubs and Meals on Wheels.

"Undertaking all this requires substantial funds and as a charity we depend on public generosity for every penny we spend. We would appreciate any support Daily Echo readers are able to give to us."

To take part in the zip slide, call Debbie Vickers on 023 8024 3697 or 07766 477038.