MORE than 40 plucky employees from Princesshay's centre management team and retailers and restaurants are preparing to overcome their fear of heights in aid of the NSPCC's South West Child's Voice Appeal.

The daring fundraisers are due to abseil down the side of the old Debenhams building on Saturday as part of Princesshay's Dragon's Challenge effort.

Those bracing themselves for the 140ft descent this Saturday include staff of Debenhams, Beaverbrooks, Faith, Fat Face, Ann Harvey, Musto, Reiss, Disney, Wagamama, Schuh, Topshop, Build a Bear and Lloyds TSB.

Princesshay's centre director Wayne Pearce said: "I've never done an abseil before, so to say I'm slightly nervous is an understatement.

"However, our focus must be on raising money for this fantastic local charity, which provides invaluable support and advice to thousands of young people across the region."

Musto store manager Tamsin Hannan, who will be doing the abseil with four colleagues, said: "We're so excited to be doing this challenge and especially for such a worthwhile cause."

Anna Westmoreland, cosmetics sales manager at Debenhams, said: "Five of us from Debenhams have risen to the challenge and will be abseiling off the top of our old store. I'm feeling a mixture of nervousness, excitement and anticipation, but I'm determined to do it and raise loads of money for the South West Child's Voice Appeal."

Princesshay currently stands fifth in the fundraising league table of participants in the Echo's Dragon's Challenge. Each company has a target of raising at least £5,000 by the end of March to help expand the ChildLine call centre in Exeter.

Also bracing himself for a fundraising challenge on Saturday is Nigel Jones, production manager at System 6 Kitchens.

He has volunteered to undergo a sponsored body wax from 10.30am to noon outside HQ Hair & Beauty in the Harlequin Shopping Centre, where passers-by can wax parts of his anatomy if they donate to the appeal.

Colleagues will be offering encouragement as well as sponsorship, and salon staff will be helping out.

Meanwhile, System 6 still has some tables left for its charity ball at Sandy Park on Thursday, March 4.

The line-up for the night includes Westcountry comedian Tank Sherman.

Tickets for the event are £45 each, to include a pre-dinner drinks reception, a three-course meal and entertainment.

To buy ball tickets, or to donate a lot for a charity auction to be held on the night, call Sarah McNamara on 01392 255150.

To sponsor the abseilers, visit www.justgiving.com/ Princesshay-Charity-Abseil.