A SCOUT leader is setting off on the challenge of a lifetime this summer as he heads to Africa all in aid of his local group.

Guy Little, who is a scout leader at the 1st Worcester Scout Group in St Peter's, is jetting to Tanzania this July to trek up Kilimanjaro.

And the 44-year-old, of Hill Avenue in Worcester, is hoping people will back his challenge by sponsoring him with all the money going towards some urgently needed renovation work for the scout hut, in Norton Road, off Bath Road.

"They are in desperate need of money to renovate the hut," he added. "To carry the works out the group probably need upwards of £10,000.

"The hut needs general refurbishment and an all round upgrade. Ultimately it will lead to Scouts being able to achieve more.

"For us and those sponsoring it is an opportunity to support the local community and keeping the scouts going."

Mr Little leaves on July 19 for the nine day walk and returns to the UK two weeks later.

"We were planning on doing the trek as a vacation but then we thought it was a good opportunity to raise money," said the aircraft structure engineer, who will be completing the trek with his brother Chris Little but will be walking with a larger group.

"We have done some trekking in the past in Peru and Bornio but we have been getting ready by going to the gym a lot and trying to keep active.

"It is the altitude that's a challenge because Kilimanjaro is 20,000 ft tall roughly. We camp on the way to the summit and it will take about nine days."

If you would like to support Mr Little and the 1st Worcester Scout Group visit firstworcester.co.uk.