A WOMEN'S rugby player will be taking her sport to new heights as she prepares to climb Mount Everest in a world record attempt.

Jess Cheesman, 40, from Scotch Corner, is a director at Darlington RFC and has played for the club since the age of 18.

She has also represented Durham county and was one of the first female players to receive their county cap.

As her latest feat, Miss Cheesman will join a team of volunteers and climb 6,500 metres of Mount Everest to play the highest game of rugby ever.

For Miss Cheesman, whose day job is contracts manager for Sirius Drilling, the Guinness World Record attempt is an opportunity to try something different.

She said: “I have been altitude training for it in December, but the hardest part of this challenge for me is having to put myself out there. I didn't use social media until November."

The challenge will take place over 24 days, from April 13 to May 6, as the group of 20 make their way to advanced base camp.

The group will be split into four teams each headed by top former rugby players Lee Mears, Ollie Phillips, Shane Williams and Tamara Taylor.

The LMAX Everest Rugby Challenge aims to raise £200,000 for Wooden Spoon, a charity which transforms the lives of children with disabilities or facing disadvantage.

Miss Cheesman, who is on Lee Mears's team, has pledged to raise £10,000 and is looking for sponsors from a company who would like to see their logo on Everest.

She will be hosting a charity masquerade ball at Blackwell Meadows on March 30, with sponsorship opportunities, and a charity gin night on March 15.

She said: “I have been so focused about fundraising I have not even thought about the fact I’m going to be flying half way around the world to play rugby with a group of strangers.

"My friends, family and club have been absolutely fantastic and I couldn't have done it with out them.

"It will be brilliant and I’m so excited and also scared - but I am going to try and get a tackle on Shane Williams."

Those who wish to sponsor Miss Cheesman's challenge can do so by visiting uk.virginmoneygiving.com/JessCheesman - or visit everestrugby.org.uk/everest-world-record-attempt/ for details.