THIS sure-footed sergeant showed he has a head for heights.

Police supported a charity abseil in aid of Bolton Hospice on Sunday, with Sgt Jon Seeds going the extra mile at All Souls in Halliwell.

Officers are striving to build connections in Halliwell, and recently set up a Business Watch in the area in a bid to tackle organised crime.

Greater Manchester Police also sent along Pippa Panda to All Souls to help with fundraising, as well as the area's PCSO, Mervyn Fox.

Visitors to the Heritage Open Day were given the chance to abseil down All Souls' 118ft tower — and Sgt Seeds was only too happy to join in.

He said: "I have been a climber most of my life and have done work such as this for the police.

"I was not too worried really, and it was nice to do, especially with such a big crowd watching on.

"I spoke to the Mervyn and he said it was the best community event he has seen in the area since he worked there so hats off to them.

"It was a privilege to form part of it and I emailed them to thank them. It was great for us and hopefully we added to it a little bit."

Last month, officers held a meeting with Halliwell shop owners, telling them how they could be their eyes and ears in ensuring businesses play by the rules.

They urged business owners to report illegal practices, even anonymously, as not reporting them would result in legitimate shops being under-cut.

The forum was the first of its kind in the area and came after 11 retail premises across Bolton were raided by police alongside the Home Office and HMRC, including ones in Halliwell.

Other recent work in Halliwell has tackled rising burglary rates in Halliwell.

Sgt Seeds added: "It was a fantastic day and helped us raise our profile as well, and get people to engage with us.

"Events like this make us look approachable, and people feel comfortable talking about any issues they may have, without having to go to a police station.

"We are part of the community as well and love to contribute to days like Sunday."

Any businesses wanting to join the forum should call police on 0161 856 5761.