The boss of a Bradford business threw himself off the top of his headquarters.

But it was nothing sinister - Robin Shaw, pictured, managing director of Federal Mogul Aftermarket UK Ltd was just trying to raise money for charity.

Mr Shaw joined 30 members of his staff as they plunged the equivalent of seven double decker buses in an abseil down the side of his offices on Greyhound Drive, Shearbridge.

And the workers at Federal Mogul, which supplies parts to the car industry, are hoping their efforts raise more than £2,000 for the charity BEN, which helps community initiatives and workplace day care centres.

Mr Shaw, who is also vice president of the charity, said: "I wanted to come up with a fund-raising event that would get everyone talking and an abseil down our very own headquarters sounded like a great idea."

But having completed the daring deed, Mr Shaw, 37, was not so sure about it.

"I was terrified all the way down," he said as he reached firm ground.

"It wasn't the height so much as feeling out of control. I wouldn't do it again in a hurry."

Mr Shaw has helped raise money for BEN for years.

"I went straight into the motor trade when I left college and immediately got involved in doing sponsored cycle rides and other fundraising events," he said. "The work the charity does is extremely important and helps 15,500 people a year."

Mark Duffy, North East regional manager for BEN, who watched the abseil, said: "We need to raise the profile of this dynamic occupational assistance charity. Some £9 million was raised last year but more is needed. That's why events like this are so important."

A crowd of 40 or so people who gathered to watch were surprised to see an elephant being harnessed up and stepping boldly over the edge of the building. But no animals were harmed - it was Mr Shaw's colleague Anne Wright in disguise.

The 46-year-old receptionist at Federal-Mogul, who is a regular fundraiser for BEN, said she decided to dress as an elephant "because I'm a mug".

"But I have raised £207," she added.