A CYBER security expert has swapped his computer for walking boots in a bid to raise more than £5,00 for charity.

Dr Christopher Tait of Layer 7 IT Security is more used to walking the corridors of government buildings than trekking up mountains but that is what he has pledged.

In September, Chris will take on Africa’s highest peak – the 5,890m Kilimanjaro to raise cash for Newcastle-based national charity Josie’s Dragonfly Trust, which supports young cancer patients. He said: “At the end of last year, I found out about the important work that the trust does through a friend who was linked to the charity. I was amazed at how they help young people with limited time make memories.”

To prepare for the trek, Chris, from Northumberland, has been practising in the Cheviot Hills and he recently tackled Britain’s highest peak Ben Nevis. He said: “Ben Nevis was very challenging especially in the searing heat, but I kept thinking that every step I is going to help someone less fortunate.”