The image of Santa Claus in mid-air is usually accompanied by a sleigh laden with gifts and eight trusty reindeer.

But a team of volunteers took Father Christmas to new heights when they took on a 160ft bungee jump for a good cause.

Six thrill-seekers donned the traditional fur-trimmed suits to get in the festive mood before scaling a crane at Brighton Marina.

Once at the top each was given the familiar count-down before bungee jumping off.

The event on Saturday and Sunday saw the volunteers, along with many others, take the plunge for learning disability charity Mencap.

Kirsty Pollard, the marketing and events manager for Brighton Marina, which financed the jump, said the day was “fantastic”.

She said: “We had a couple of people jumping who were absolutely terrified.

“It’s a huge crane. Because you are in a crane it wobbles from side to side, it just feels horrendous.

“But they went up there and didn’t hesitate and jumped straight off.

“Fair play to them. They all got up there and braved it.

“I take my hat off to them.

“One girl raised £300 alone, which is brilliant.”

Participants had to book their bungee slot in advance, with the first ten people jumping for free providing they had raised the minimum sponsorship of £150.

All proceeds from the festive bungee jump event went to Mencap, official partners with Brighton Marina for 2013 and 2014.

The aim is to raise money for Mencap’s Young Ambassador Programme, which helps young people aged 16-24 with a learning disability to find employment, build confidence and take on new challenges.

For more information about the charity, visit mencap.org.uk For details about events at Brighton Marina, visit brightonmarina.co.uk