The event, at the Edinburgh Indoor Climbing Arena yesterday, saw the participants, whose ages ranged from 11 to 56, put into a trance to help them come to terms with their fears before attempting the aerial course.

They each underwent a 30-minute session involving a combination of hypnotherapy, neuro-linguistic programming and thought fields therapy.

Each participant was told to imagine a picture of themselves being afraid, and to focus on the fear they felt.

They were told to chant "sit and float" under their breath, to remind them to stay calm throughout the course.

They were then woken up before being led to the top of the course, where they were strapped into a harness and cheered as they set off, one at a time.

Only three of the volunteers failed to attempt the challenge, including a 11-year-old boy.

Fundo Mhura, 24, one of Britain’s leading amateur boxers, was the first to complete the course. He said: "I am petrified of heights and before today I would never have managed to complete the course. I get really dizzy and nauseous.

"The hypnosis was amazing and, although I was still scared, I managed to keep going through it all."

Via:  Scotsman