A JAM factory worker landed himself in a sticky situation when he scaled its chimney – but it was all for a good cause.

Gutsy Stephen Cook decided to scale the 20 metre-tall chimney at Wilkin and Sons, in Tiptree, despite being scared of heights.

Assisted by harness, ropes and a pro-in-the-know, the dad-of-two made it to the top yesterday just after 9am, clinging on for dear life.

His efforts have helped raise hundreds of pounds towards a school’s new minibus.

Stephen, 44, who has worked at the jam factory in his home village for 20 years, said: “It was my idea. I felt I couldn’t really pass it on to someone else to do, even though I don’t like heights very much.”

A company was due to visit the factory building to carry out structural survey work, so Stephen seized the opportunity to climb one of the three chimneys using its experts and equipment.

As the HR manager anxiously waited to make his ascent, he recalled thinking: “Let’s get on with it and get it done.”

He didn’t fancy hanging around long to take in the panoramic views.

He said: “A lot of my colleagues have been complaining I wasn’t up there very long and I seemed to go up and down quickly. I climbed up with a black marker pen and have written something on the side of the chimney.

“But I am keeping it a secret and if people want to knowwhat it says, then they should climb it.”

Staff have set a challenge to raise £2,000 to buy the new minibus for Doucecroft a special autistic needs school, in Eight Ash Green, by May.

For every £1 raised, Wilkin and Sons has agreed to donate £10, with the aim of bringing the grand total to £22,000.

Thanks to Stephen’s nail-biting efforts, he has raised about £300, making the running total staff have raised about £1,000.

Other fundraising activities are in the pipeline.

The Lord’s Taverners charity will provide the bus.