A student from Otley is taking on a tough hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.

Nineteen-year-old Katy Ellis is hoping to raise £2,650 for Childreach International by completing the African challenge in August.

At 19,341 feet – or 5,895 metres – above sea level Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

So former Prince Henry’s Grammar School student Katy, currently studying at the University of Sussex, is steeling herself for a tough test that will involve six days of long hikes.

She said: “I decided to take on the challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro because whilst at university I wanted to explore and experience new things, as well as taking every opportunity I was given.

“I feel this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for me to not only test myself, in being able to complete the highest free standing mountain, but to also help raise a very substantial amount of money which will help so many children’s lives.

“After looking more in depth at some of the projects Childreach does, I just couldn’t turn down the chance of helping them make more of a difference.”

Childreach works to improve children’s access to healthcare, education, child rights and protection in developing countries.

To support Katy’s fundraising climb, visit the website mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/katyellis1.