SPONSORED feats don't get much more gruelling than that being undertaken by 24-year-old Julian Patrick.

Not content with a challenging sponsored walk, fitness-fanatic Julian has pledged to complete five days of arduous sporting activities for Children in Need: once he's finished work at the O2 Call Centre in Dumers Lane, Bury, which is also helping the cause.

Julian, who lives in Tottington, said: "I have been playing badminton and other sports since I was 13. I like challenging myself. Last year, I did a 20-mile sponsored run carrying a tractor tyre!"

Julian's schedule starts on Monday with a 20-mile run, 45-minute circuit training and three hours of badminton. On Tuesday, he will undertake a three-mile swim and badminton for one and three quarter hours, and continue a similar pattern for the next three days.

He said: "Because I am at Castle Leisure Centre every day anyway, I haven't had to do any extra training. I enjoy doing this anyway, so why not raise money at the same time?"

At Tottington High School and at Holy Cross, Julian was presented with awards for his fund-raising efforts.