A MOUNTAIN-LOVING Runcorn man is in a rush to scale Europe's highest peak in a bid to raise money for charity and fulfil a life-long ambition.

Phil Burrows, who works for Astmoor Day Services, is about to embark on a 16-day trek to the top of 19,000 ft high Mount Elbrus, near Russia.

The 42-year-old is hoping to raise more than £800 for Cancer Research UK and Astmoor Day Services where he teaches IT, arts and media to adults with learning difficulties.

He said: "I have always wanted to do the top peaks in Europe and I believe Elbrus is the highest so I am looking forward to it.

"It is nice to get to the top of something and look down on things.

"It will be hard work but I'm looking forward to getting to the top and cracking open a well deserved bottle of brandy to celebrate."

Phil will be part of a 10-man team on the 16-day expedition which will see them hike through the dramatic scenery of the Caucasus mountain range, which divides Georgia and Russia.

Highlights of the fundraising trip will include alpine meadows, towering forests, soaring mountain passes and pure mountain air.

The downside is that the hard work starts at the snow line at 8,000ft and from there on in it's a gruelling slog over dangerous glaciers and ice-covered rock formations.

"I've done something similar before so I'm not daunted by the prospect," said Phil, who raised £800 doing a trek to Everest base camp in Nepal last year.

"The main worry isn't the climbing, it's the threat of kidnap by rebels because the Foreign Office has warned that the area between Russia and Georgia is pretty hairy at the moment.

"But I'm sure it will be fine and I will get to the top of Europe in one piece," he said.

After the trek Phil plans to spend a few days in St Petersburg for a spot of rest and Russian vodka before flying home to collect his sponsor money.

To help him beat his previous peak of £800, call 01928-567271 or email phil@phils-place.net.