A man is hoping to conquer the highest mountain in Africa to help disadvantaged children.

Former Hedingham School pupil James Morrison, of Great Yeldham, will be climbing up 5,895 metres to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro in August to raise money for Childreach International.

The charity helps children in countries such as Africa, Asia, Latin America and the UK to reach their full potential.

He needs to raise £2,895 before he can undertake the six day climb.

Mr Morrison, 28, who is studying mental health nursing at Anglia Ruskin University, in Chelmsford, said: “I wanted to raise money for the children in Tanzania.

“Compared to us in the west, they have nothing.

“I want to make a difference to their lives and this amount of money should definitely do that.

“I haven’t been to the country, but I have seen about their plight on the news.

“Climbing Kilimanjaro is going to be a good experience, but this isn’t for me, it’s for the children.”

Mr Morrison, who attended Great Yeldham Primary School and Steeple Bumpstead Primary School, said he is quite sporty and ran a marathon along the Flitch Way on New Year’s Day.

He said: “This is almost an unrealistic amount of money to raise - I worked it out to be £333 per month from now until I leave.

“I already have some ideas of fundraising activities and I am hoping to go into schools to give presentations to raise awareness.”

He has raised £90 so far.

To donate, visit: mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/jamesmorrison