A regional daily reporter has scaled one of London’s most iconic landmarks as part of a charity challenge.

Gareth McPherson, a reporter at the Cambridge News, took part in a practice event ahead of the main Gherkin Challenge, which is run by the NSPCC.

The gruelling fundraiser challenges people to storm the Gherkin and walk, run or climb the 1,000 steps all the way to the 38th floor.

Gareth (pictured) also blogged about the experience.

He told HTFP: “It was good fun but it hurt quite a bit as well.

“I just fancied a bit of a challenge, something a bit different. I figured if I’m going to get fit I might as well do something that’s a bit of a change.”

The main Gherkin Challenge event was held on Saturday.