A TEACHER is planning to trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise money for his local church's 150th anniversary.

Michael Malone, 61, of Blackhills, Consett, has been in training for ten-day 50-mile expedition in Tanzania since last summer.

The deputy leader of Derwentside District Council is flying to Africa on March 24 with two friends who are joining him on the hike.

The trio will set up camp overnight and sleep in tents accompanied by a crew of locals to help with the heavy equipment.

Mr Malone, a geography teacher at St Edmund Campion in Gateshead, said: "I keep getting told that at my age I should have more sense but this is something I have always wanted to do.

"At 19,265 feet it is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. It is the biggest challenge I will ever face.

"I am really looking forward to it as this will be my last big adventure.

"We are trying to raise as many funds as possible for the church."

Money raised will be used for renovations at the church to celebrate its forthcoming 150th anniversary.

To donate call Mr Malone on (01207) 505 640.