New Forest tourism officer Terry Kane, 27, has signed up to run the Marathon Des Sables, a 150-mile, six-day slog across the Sahara Desert which brings a new meaning to the word "gruelling".

Big-hearted Terry is hoping to raise £7,000 for Oxfam from his efforts.

"The idea came from a bet, as these things usually do," said Terry, who works for the New Forest District Council in Lyndhurst, said. "A friend said to me, you would never be able to do something like this. I took them up on that bet and now I finally have a place in the marathon, which is very difficult to get in to."

Terry freely admits he is no athlete and likes a drink, but is already on a strict training regime for the challenge next year.

Money raised will go to Oxfam to help in the fight against world poverty and famine.

The Marathon Des Sables is the toughest running race on Earth. Competitors have no assistance and must carry with them everything they need to survive including food, clothes, a sleeping bag and a medical kit.

Terry, who will depart from the UK next April for the task, will be running more than 50 miles a week wearing a backpack to get ready for the challenge.

Businesses or individuals can sponsor Terry by visiting www.run4change.co.uk.