A TEAM of North-East trekkers have climbed Africa’s highest mountain to raise money for an international children’s charity.

Fifteen charity supporters reached the summit of Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last month and raised at least £3,000 each for Coco (Comrades of Children Overseas).

The charity, which is based in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, works with communities in the developing world to alleviate the poverty that prevents children’s education.

Among the Kilimanjaro trekkers were former Sunderland AFC player, and FA Cup winner, Ritchie Pitt and one of the charity’s trustees, Katherine Hay-Heddle, a partner at law firm Ward Haddaway.

Other participants from the region were Keith Richardson Chris Smedley, Dennis Chrisp, Christine Nugent and Julie Flanagan.

Before the trekkers started their climb, they visited the Uwawayaki Nursery School, a Coco project in Moshi, Tanzania.

Now in its fifth year, the project is a big success, with 30 to 40 children now benefitting from a hot meal and education they otherwise would not have access to.

Laura Elliott, fundraising manager at Coco, said she was thrilled the trekkers reached the summit.

“We are very grateful for the efforts that they have made on behalf of the charity," she said.

"I know that the trekkers really valued the opportunity to visit the Uwawayaki project and see for themselves how the work of Coco makes a profound and positive difference to the lives of children.”

For more information about the charity visit coco.org.uk