Plymouth Evening Herald editor Alan Qualtrough has returned home in "good shape" after conquering Mount Kilimanjaro for the second time.

He completed the 20,000ft climb to reach Stella Point, the crater rim, in six days - and was even able to continue to on to Uhuru Peak, where he enjoyed views across Kenya and Tanzania.

Alan, (55), said: "It was difficult but I managed better than last time as we had an extra day on the mountain and we were able to have two half-days rest before carrying on to the summit.

"I was so intent on reaching the summit last year that I forgot to look at the view. This year I wanted to switch off and enjoy it."

After last year's success, Alan (above) was more prepared for the minus 20C temperatures and threat of altitude sickness, and was able to keep it at bay by lots of eating and drinking.

The more scenic Lemosho Route which Alan and his fellow climbers decided to take also meant they were able to take things slowly, with two days in the rainforest before passing the extinct Shira volcano where they camped overnight on the crater.

Alan said: "We had perfect weather with clear skies when we reached the summit. It was a fabulous day."

The Evening Herald editor was also pleased to raise £7,000 in sponsorship in aid of the paper's Give A Child A Chance appeal.

Alan said: "It's a city-wide appeal which is aiming to raise £500,000. We're asking readers to help raise money so I thought I'd better get myself in gear.

"I'll definitely do something again next year, but in the meantime I'll stick to Dartmoor!"

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