Almost 200 people threw themselves off a platform to fly 600ft through the air in a spectacular weekend fund-raiser at Brighton beach.

A newspaper editor, drag queen, DJ and several supermarket workers were just some of those taking part in yesterday's charity extravaganza at Madeira Drive in Brighton.

Scores of spectators watched as volunteers climbed the specially erected platform on Marine Parade to be fastened into a safety harness before making their leap of faith for charity.

Crowds cheered as they glided along a cable dangling 100ft above Madeira Drive.

Most had raised more than £100 in sponsorship to have a go on the Zip Wire, although others who turned up on the day were able to take part by handing over £20.

The event was organised by the Brighton and Hove business people behind the City Winter Ball, due to be held at the Metropole Hotel on November 22.

Money raised will go towards putting on the ball, the proceeds of which will be split between the breast cancer Pink Dolphin Appeal and the Alzheimer's Society.

All 650 tickets for the ball have already been sold.

A similar City Summer Ball 18 months ago raised a total of £93,000 for charity.

Organiser Robbie Raggio, of Hove Car Wash, said: "We did ask Hove MP Ivor Caplin if he would have a go but he told us - with a big laugh - that he couldn't make it that day."

Among those who did take part were Simon Bradshaw, editor of The Argus.

Staff at the newspaper raised £225 to sponsor him and before the jump he told onlookers: "The sooner it's over the better," but after flying down the cable said: "It's scary when you are up there looking down but it's not that bad. I wouldn't mind doing it again and it's all in a good cause."

The loudest cheer of the day was saved for drag queen and actor Dave Lynn, who arrived at Madeira Drive dressed to the nines in a low cut silver spangled showstopping outfit.

He had promised to take part while standing in for JoAnne Good on her former breakfast show but nerves and a fear of heights almost forced him to change his mind.

Also taking part was Southern FM breakfast show presenter Nicky Keig Shevlin and her husband Richard Reynolds, who recently had his job axed by the radio station.

Central Hove councillor Avril Older, a trustee of the Alzheimer's Society, also took part.

Two members of staff from Asda Hollingbury took part after raising £270 as did a representative of fashion store New Look, which raised more than £1,000.