KIND-HEARTED family members took on a charity fundraiser in memory of their grandfather last weekend, and raised more than £3,000 for charity.

The team of eight, including six grandchildren, completed a 165-foot abseil of the Forth Rail Bridge last Sunday, in memory of well-known North Berwick businessman Robbie Aitken, who died earlier this year.

He ran Aitken’s of North Berwick, on the town’s High Street, for more than four decades from 1960, but suffered a stroke on the golf course in 2011, not long after his 80th birthday.

Following his death in February, the family decided to take on the challenge in his memory, and raise funds for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Leila Shelley, one of the eight-strong team who took part in the abseil, was delighted with the money raised.

She told the Courier: “We’re delighted to have raised nearly £3,300 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, in loving memory of our Popop, who we lost in February.

“We know he would be incredibly proud of us all and absolutely amazed by the amount we have raised.

“We know first-hand how much help this charity and the North Berwick Stroke Club offer to stroke sufferers and their families, so we would like to thank everyone who took the time to sponsor us – your donations and support have been completely overwhelming.”

Leila was joined by husband Sam in the abseil, while the rest of the team comprised Susannah Nichol and partner Dan Morris, Isla Craig, Celeste Aitken Timpson, Lisa Noble and Robbie Nichol.

Susannah added: “It was terrifying but we did it!”

Mr Aitken’s great-grandchildren were unable to take part due to an age restriction, but were at the iconic bridge to lend their support.

To donate and add to the family’s impressive total, visit their fundraising page here.