THE boss of Worcester IT firm Open GI and a team of 18 staff put their abseiling skills to the test for Acorns Children's Hospice and raised almost £3,000 in the process.

Phillip Bell and his team were one of many taking part in the Acorns-organised 150-ft abseil down Eastnor Castle, near Ledbury.

Acorns is Open GI's staff-nominated charity for 2007. By raising nearly £3,000 in the abseil, the company's pledge to raise £3,500 by the end of the year - to which the board will add a further £3,500 if it is reached - has already been beaten in less than six months and further events are being organised.

"The abseil was an exciting challenge for all of us," said Phillip Bell, chief executive of Open GI.

"It was a memorable and fun day, but more importantly, it provided an opportunity to raise vital funds for the local life-limited children and their families that Acorns Children's Hospice supports. I was very impressed with the efforts of Open GI staff."

Sophie James, community fund-raiser for Acorns, added: "We are thrilled that Open GI has chosen to support Acorns Children's Hospice as their nominated charity this year. It's great that such a large team took part in the abseil at Eastnor Castle and that almost £3,000 was raised. Phillip Bell is certainly leading by example."