Marine ropes in chimp help

CHIMPS at Edinburgh Zoo have helped a Royal Marine get in shape for a fundraising challenge by showing how to climb a rope.

The inhabitants of the zoo's Budongo Trail were not deterred by the snow, and showed off their climbing techniques to give Sam Sheriff, a physical training instructor in the Royal Marines, some tips in preparation for his world- record fundraising challenge.

Tomorrow, Sam will attempt to climb 3000ft on a 30ft gymnasium rope to set a new world record and raise money to build a memorial garden at the 45 Commando in Arbroath.

He said: "The chimps have given me some interesting tips. However, my upper body strength is no match for theirs, so I will make the most of my legs to push me up the rope as well."