Leaders at a North Yorkshire activity centre are undertaking a gruelling challenge on Mount Everest to raise money for charitable bursaries for youngsters, and for Women Against Cancer.

The "Everesting" challenge will take David Sharp and his cousin Graeme through some of the toughest parts of the landscape, and they have been in training for months to prepare.

Their trek from Lukla to Everest base camp at 5,364m will take 17 days.

David, chief executive of the Carlton Lodge Activity Centre, near Thirsk, said: "I’m very excited about the challenge as it will help raise much needed funds for the various groups we help throughout the year.

"Our continuing investment in developing Carlton Lodge Activity Centre aims to give our young visitors an overall high-level experience as part of their activity events here. Money raised will enable more young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to have this experience."

Darlington and Stockton Times: David and Graeme preparing for Everest

The centre team have started a JustGiving fundraiser where donations can be made at: https://bit.ly/DGUltimateEverestTrek. More than £1,000 has already been pledged.

Activities at Carlton Lodge range from abseiling to zip wires, amid mud, trees and water and are designed to educate, excite, inspire, test, and reward youngsters in an outdoor setting. 

David added: "We are aware that the cost of living is affecting families and that many people are having to make choices about their spending decisions. Even though our own costs are rising, we believe that by raising funds like this we will be able to help more families in these difficult economic times plus adding to our team’s support for the charities."