Sawbridgeworth computer company workers take the plunge for Grove Cottage in Bishop's Stortford

A team of five from Sawbridgeworth's HardSoft Computers swapped their desks for a spot of skydiving.

Together they raised £2,044 for Grove Cottage, the home of Bishop's Stortford Mencap, by leaping from 13,000ft.

They completed their tandem jumps at the North London Sky Diving Centre on Saturday August 14.

Among the group were Ellie Reeve and Emma Barker, who said: "The skydive was amazing and we feel so privileged to have contributed to such a fantastic sum of money raised for Grove Cottage.

"After a super-early start and a two-hour drive, we were meant to jump at 11am, but, due to the weather, we had to wait until 5pm – but the wait was absolutely worth it!

"When an opportunity like this comes up you can't say no. It's a chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

"We couldn't have done it without the rest of the team – Ben, Morgan and Claire. We were already close but now we share an extra-special bond. It was amazing to go through the experience together."

Grove Cottage provides social and educational activities for people of all ages with a learning disability to help them to reach their potential and avoid social isolation by supporting lifelong friendships.

It operates a special educational needs nursery five days a week alongside clubs and activities for older children and adults. It also provides vital respite to families and carers.

Nicky Hastler, the charity's community fundraiser, said: "We're so extremely grateful to the team that took on this amazing challenge and really cannot thank them enough for their support.

"We would urge anyone who is interested in taking on a similar challenge for Grove Cottage to get in touch as we have a calendar full of sponsored cycles, runs, skydives and treks. Our next skydive is taking place on Saturday October 16."

To find out more, see www.mencapgrovecottage.org.