Plymouth Evening Herald editor Alan Qualtrough has embarked on the challenge of a lifetime climbing the 20,000-ft Mount Kilimanjaro.

He is one of a 34-strong team that left for Africa at the weekend in a bid to raise money for a local hospice.

The team has been preparing for the climb since January, with treks across Dartmoor - including climbing all the tors.

They have been attending the gym, running marathons and triathlons, have been to the Brecon Beacons for training, and climbed Mount Snowdon.

All the team have paid the expedition costs themselves, and money raised from sponsorship or through events such as fashion shows, car boot sales and samba evenings, which they gave up their time to organise, goes to St Luke's Hospice.

While in Africa, the group will also donate £1,000 to a school in Kilimanjaro.

The challenge will test their strength and stamina at altitude, on the mountain which is the world's highest free-standing peak.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk