Firefighters demonstrated their prowess at rescuing people in dangerous situations by plucking a rector from the top of his own church tower.

Rev Roger Humphreys and fireman Steve SweetThe rector of St Mary Magdalene Church in Woodstock, the Rev Roger Humphreys was lowered from the church tower using Oxfordshire Fire Service's 32m-high fire platform.

The event was also attended by Kidlington's new seven-strong fire rescue team who abseiled down the side of the tower.

Mr Humphreys used the opportunity to publicise a £250,000 rebuilding appeal fund for St Mary Magdalene Church.

Picture: David Fleming