DARING duo Dave Osborn and Steve Holden are preparing for their biggest ever challenge - tackling Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of charity.

The workmates at Nelson firm Graham Engineering are planning to conquer the 19,563ft peak, the highest in Africa, as part of a two-week adventure holiday in May.

As well as putting in training for the adventure of a lifetime, Dave, of Colne, and Steve, of Nelson, are busy collecting sponsorship for the climb.

The money they raise will be split between the Samaritans and Hospice Care for Burnley and Pendle.

The two men spotted the chance to tackle the peak in an advertisement in a climbing magazine.

They will fly to Africa in the middle of May and enjoy a safari break before getting down to the serious business of climbing one of the world's highest mountains.

The duo will tackle Mount Meru, about 50 miles from Kilimanjaro, to acclimatise themselves to the heat and altitude. Then they will face Kilimanjaro itself, the world's highest volcano and highest free-standing peak that is not part of a larger mountain range.

"We spent a weekend in Wales in December getting to know the people we will be going to Africa with and our guides," said Dave. "They took us up Snowdon, which is the highest I've been up, and said Kilimanjaro will be about as steep but obviously a lot longer climb. Snowdon is only about 3,500ft.

"We won't need oxygen but there are dangers like altitude sickness that you have to be aware of. It's going to be a great adventure. I'm already excited about it and I can't wait until we're there."

The two men are training in the gym and taking part in long walks and runs to build up their strength.

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