A CHEF from the Bourne Valley Inn at St Mary Bourne is doing a sponsored climb of Kilimanjaro for disability organisation Scope.

Steve Ings, aged 52, from Ludgershall decided two weeks ago that he was going to take up the challenge to climb Africa's highest mountain - 19,340 metres high - in six days.

So far he has received £1,400 in sponsorship from local villagers and business.

"It is a good cause to raise money for and it is a once-in- a-lifetime opportunity," he Steve needs to raise a minimum of £2,750 to be able to compete.

He hopes that with a raffle and sponsorship he will raise more than £3,000. Steve will join 49 other people who will trek through the jungle, rain forests and in temperatures from tropical to sub-zero.

"There will be a group of 50 but only about 30 will make it. I'm not going all that way to fail. The top of the mountain is completely covered in snow - it's like a cake with icing," he said.

He is getting ready for this exhausting experience by riding his horse, walking and training at the gym. "I'm only used to running for the bus," he added. They will be setting off on 21 January and will be celebrating his birthday on the peak of the mountain.

"It is my birthday on 28 January and it will be a brilliant birthday present," he said.

Steve is still looking for people to sponsor him so he can raise vital funds needed by Scope.

He is also willing to do odd jobs for payment.

It is believed that currently about one in every 400 children are affected by cerebral palsy - this means that about 1,800 babies are diagnosed each year. To sponsor Steve or find out more about the climb call the Bourne Valley Inn on 01264 738361.