Tony’s got a tall order coming up!

A Sidmouth barman who has a self-confessed fear of heights will battle his demons to take part in a world-record-breaking skydive effort.

Tony Phillips, 40, who works at the Anchor Inn, will take part in the ‘most amount people to do a skydive in a 12 hour period’ attempt next Saturday to raise money for WESC Foundation, an Exeter-based specialist school for people with visual impairment, writes Callum Lawton.

The current record was set by a group in Germany when 251 people completed a skydive.

Exeter resident Tony, who also works at the WESC as a senior care officer, will team up with his Anchor Inn colleague Steve Aggett for the jump at Dunkeswell.

“We are on course to break the world record, we have 291 people signed up,” said Tony.

“I am terrified – I do not like heights.”

Tony agreed to the jump after his friends badgered him continuously for two years and, despite his nerves, knows the money he raises will go to a good cause.

“WESC organise the students to be able to help themselves and build up their independence. They do a really good job - we find them jobs and accommodation.

“Through 14 years I have worked there, I have seen these people build themselves up from a young age to when they leave college, ready to live independent lives.”

Sponsor Tony at www.virginmoneygiving.co.uk.