TWO political rivals formed an unlikely coalition when they were first to go over-the-edge at an annual charity abseil.

Labour council leader David Green and Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate David Ward together braved the 80ft descent off the roof of the Jacobs Well office in Bradford city centre.

They were the first of around 30 people young and old who took part in the annual event yesterday, held in aid of the Lord Mayor's Appeal.

Cllr Green faced his terror of heights as he took the plunge alongside Mr Ward, who is a fan of high-octane outward bound pursuits and has taken part in the abseil each year.

And cheering them on from the ground was a Conservative - former Lord Mayor Councillor Dale Smith, who is chairman of the appeal committee.

While Cllr Green looked less-than-happy as he lowered himself over the edge, Mr Ward, seeking re-election to Parliament in Bradford East, offered him some advice on technique before zipping down the building.

Cllr Green called out: "Stop showing off, Ward!"

On reaching the bottom, Mr Ward jokingly replied: "It's climbing back up that's the hard bit."

Afterwards, Cllr Green said: "The guys at the top were great. They really gave you confidence. And David was quite helpful with his, 'Just do this, just do that'. I thought, 'just get me to the bottom'.

"I haven't overcome my fear of heights, but the Lord Mayor's charity is raising money for really good causes - my legs are still shaking - and I am delighted to do it.

"I think I have raised a good few hundred quid, possibly more."

Mr Ward, who has been involved in the abseil since its inception, said: "I loved it. I'm really pleased it has continued and become an annual event now, which is not something I imagined 11 to 12 years ago when we first started it.

"It's great it has continued and it is a fabulous way of supporting really good charities."

This year's abseil was organised by Gary Peacock, manager of the Midland Hotel, who also took part.

He said he was one of a big group of volunteers who helped organise events for the appeal.

He said: "There is a huge army of volunteers that have been organising different events all over the city and the district, and will continue to do so in the new Lord Mayor's year."

The instructors were from the council's Adventure Activities Development Unit.

On the descent, instructor Phil Jones said: "It does feel quite intimidating up there. It's quite the drop."

Mr Peacock added: "It's certainly within splatting distance."

This year's Lord Mayor's Appeal is raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care and Make It Happen.