The official opening of Hi Rock – Hayling Island’s Climbing Wall

(Pictured, WPC Debbie Surridge and Doris Long, MBE)

Hi-rock’s  21ft high wall was officially unveiled at Hayling College to cheers from pupils, teachers, the police and Doris Long, MBE, known to people around the world as ‘Daring Doris’ on Friday 22 July.

The 97-year-old MBE and record- breaking abseiler was the guest of honour. The lady who masterminded the project is WPC Debbie Surridge from Hayling Island. She applied for a National Lottery grant of £50,000.  With the support of the local people on the island and teacher Alan White at Hayling College, they managed to raise a staggering 16,100 votes from members of the public.

The climbing wall took two weeks to build and is now ready to be used by people of all ages and abilities, including disabled and partially sighted people.

WPC Debbie Surridge said: ‘I am absolutely delighted about this project and something for the local kids and adults in the community to enjoy. We were absolutely thrilled to get the lottery grant.”

The climbing wall will be manned by fully-trained volunteers and a brand new CCTV system is being installed by local firm Easy Networks. Each session costs £4 and that money goes back into maintaining the wall. Mrs Long said: ‘It’s just amazing. If I didn’t have a frozen shoulder I’d be up there climbing with the kids. It’s an honour to have my name on the wall.’

For more information call: 07966 882 014 for Bookings and wall hire call: 02392 466 241

Hayling College

Church Road

Hayling Island Hampshire PO11 0NU

For more information about Easy Networks, please call 0800 13 13 100, or visit: http://www.easy.co.uk/

ENDS

PRESS Contact: Please call Lorraine Lewis on 02392 778825 or email: lorraine.lewis@easy.co.uk

For further information, please call 0800 13 13 100 or visit: www.easy.co.uk