A CHARITY challenge proved no uphill task for a keen young climber at the weekend.

Sympathetic of the plight of homeless children round the world, seven-year-old foster child Lennox wanted to help.

A keen climber, he decided to put his skills to the test, to raise money for the charity The Railway Children, to help some of those children to find their families and get off the streets.

Encouraged by mother Lesley Swinney and partner Chris Hall, both also climbing enthusiasts, the challenge was set to climb the total height of the Empire State Building, the 102-storey New York landmark, which stood as the world’s tallest building from completion in 1930 to 1971.

Using the climbing walls at the Rof59 activity centre in Newton Aycliffe, it required 23 completed climbs over the weekend.

Closing in on the final two ascents, supported by comic hero Spiderman, ready to hand over a trophy, Ms Swinney said Lennox was in “great spirit”, running on adrenaline, with more than £1,200 raised at that stage.

“He’s just found it brilliant and he’s been well supported by family and friends, plus the Durham Scouts climbing team, who have been great.”

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