A SMALL team of Royal Marine veterans and former military personnel plan to break a world record by lifting four times the weight of the Angel of the North.

Over a gruelling 12 hours, 12 men and women will attempt to lift more than 800,000 kg, with donations on the day going to the forces mental health charity, Rock 2 Recovery.

Behind the jaw-dropping task is former Royal Marine Colin Kelly, of Seaham, whose experiences in operational theatres led to him suffering from debilitating mental health issues.

He was was eventually helped by Devon-based charity, Rock 2 Recovery, who provide counselling and other support to ex-forces personnel.

Now recovered, Mr Kelly is increasingly worried about the numbers of veterans who suffer from mental health issues, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Suicide figures are high amongst ex-servicemen and women, with an average of one death every two weeks in the UK alone.

Mr Kelly, who now works abroad in a security role, said, “It's shocking how many of our veterans have problems with their mental health.

"There's very little support available to them, and what support there is usually has long waiting times. "Counselling services are sparse and centres where suffering veterans can go are few and far between.

"Rock 2 Recovery were simply brilliant when I needed them. They supported me as I worked through the issues I had and got back on my own feet."

The Guinness World Record attempt will be held at The Performance Fitness Centre, in Sunderland, on Saturday, November 4.