Man, 79, abseils down Empire State Building

Image source, Outward Bound

Image caption, Bill Roberts is the oldest person to have abseiled the Empire State Building
  • Author, Rowenna Hoskin
  • Role, 大象传媒 News

A daredevil 79-year-old from Wales joined Hollywood star Jared Leto and a group of others to abseil down New York's Empire State Building.

Bill Roberts, from Deganwy in Conwy county, became the oldest person to achieve the feat while fellow climber Orla Williams, 22, from Prestatyn, Denbighshire, became the youngest.

The 24-person team was lead by Leto, who began the 274m (900ft) descent from the building鈥檚 spire down to the 30th floor.

Mr Roberts said: "The moment I stepped in that elevator I knew there was no turning back, but boy was it worth it."

This was not the first time Mr Roberts has abseiled down iconic buildings - he has also completed the Shard, the Fenchurch Building - known as the Walkie-Talkie, the Gherkin and the Leadenhall Building - known as the Cheesegrater.

"I promised my wife this would be the last one," he said.

Image source, Outward Bound

Image caption, Mr Roberts said he promised his wife Maggie this would be the last time he abseiled

While Mr Roberts has experience with heights, Guy Williams, 57, from Prestatyn, said he was "terrified".

He added: "You're that high you can't hear the city. You're just in silence and then all of a sudden you hit the sound."

His daughter Ms Williams said: "It was nerve-racking to start with but once I was up there and over the edge, I was having the time of my life.

"The views were incredible and being able to soak them in from so high up is something that will stick with me forever."

Image source, Outward Bound

Image caption, Orla Williams said once she was up and over the edge of the 381m building she loved the experience

The group were raising money for Outward Bound and its CEO Martin Davidson said the charity aimed to inspire young people from inner cities to experience new things in national parks.