AN ALL-WOMAN team of eleven will abseil the Spinnaker Tower on Sunday to raise funds to provide safe sanctuary for ex-circus tigers at the Isle of Wight Zoo.

The group are hoping to raise £6,000 towards The Wildheart Trust's £50,000 Hearts for Tigers Appeal, which aims to rehome tigers currently in a rescue centre in Spain after they were voluntarily handed over by a circus.

Chris Packham, broadcaster, author and trustee of The Wildheart Trust, said: "We can't change the world for every tiger in need but together we can make the world of difference for these ones. Every penny will add up to provide a much richer life for these animals."

In January 2016, ex-circus tiger Simi arrived at the Isle of Wight Zoo.

Simi's life at the zoo has transformed her into a calm, confident and friendly tiger following her life as an ill-treated circus animal.

Organiser of the event, Sarah Burridge, who is joining the abseil team despite her fear of heights, said: "I'm so nervous but so excited. It's a great cause so it will be well worth it."

Those interested can donate towards the Hearts for Tigers Appeal by texting IOWZ73 with your donation of £1, £3, £5, £10, £25, or £100 to 70070 or visit https://www.justgiving.com/wildheart-foundation.