MOUNTAINEERING managing director Dave Chapman is looking forward to a change of scenery, when he scales new heights for a children's charity.

Dave, of Victoria Street, Ramsbottom, is setting of for Tanzania today (Fri Sept 28) for an arduous six-day sponsored climb to the 19,340 ft summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Money raised will go to Whizz Kidz, which provides motorised wheelchairs for children who need them.

In advance of the big adventure, 38-year-old Dave has been in training at the gym, and climbing hills in the Lake District and North Wales.

Dave, who runs Bury fire and flood restoration firm Rainbow International, said: "I should be fairly fit, but even people that are really fit have struggled because of the altitude. You don't know how its going to affect you."

"It's a place I've always fancied going to, the scenery is just so diverse.

"I did a school project on East Africa when I was about ten years old and thought I would go there. It's always been an ambition of mine."

Dave, pictured with his gear in preparation for his quest, will pay his own expenses on the trip, with all £3,000 pledged so far going to the charity.

He added: "We've done well so far but we're still wanting a bit more."