A TEST of endurance lies ahead for a university student set to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for a charity which helps marginalised children around the world.

Swapping text books for the gruelling trails of the world's highest freestanding mountain, Joseph Lee, from Barbourne, Worcester, will tackle the challenge to raise money for Childreach International.

The 19-year-old will be part of a team from Aston University who will fly out to Tanzania on Monday, July 7.

Before they begin their six day journey following the Machame route, the team will also visit one of Childreach's projects to see the important work it carries out.

The engineering and applied science student, who hopes to have a career in the Army, said: "Childreach International is a great cause because the money is going to help children have a better life not just in Africa but also in the UK as well.

"It is a really great charity to donate to.

"I signed up after seeing someone was organising it at university and thought it looked like a good idea to help people and was also a bit of a once in a lifetime experience."

Before he flies out to Tanzania, Mr Lee needs to raise £2,600 and has been busy organising events at the university as well as a cake sale at Sticky Fingers Preschool, St Stephen's Street, Worcester, which brought in over £40.

"I'm really looking forward to going.

"It's going to be quite a test of endurance with lots of challenges along the way such as the temperature at the bottom of the climb and altitude as we get to the top."

Anyone wishing to donate should log on to mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/josephlee1.