IT is not called a tall ship for nothing, as 60 brave landlubbers found out when they climbed 100ft to the top of Lord Nelson's highest mast to raise vital funds for the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

The marathon effort, carried out by disabled and able-bodied people, collected nearly £10,000 for the Southampton-based charity.

Harnessed-up, the climbers braved hail and rain to scramble up the rigging, over two platforms, to the peak of one of three masts on the imposing ship moored at Southampton's dock Gate 4.

The fundraising event will kick-start the Jubilee Sailing Trust's huge aim to raise £200,000 before the Trafalgar anniversary celebrations, in October this year.

The celebrations will mark 200 years since the Battle of Trafalgar was won, and the death of the world's most famous disabled sailor, Lord Nelson.

The trust's ship, one of only two in the world designed to allow able-bodied and disabled people to sail together, plays a key part in the Trafalgar bicentenary celebrations this year.

To donate money to the trust, and help it to reach its fundraising target, visit the website at www.jst.org.uk