A LUDLOW school driver is taking on an extreme challenge for causes close to his heart.

Otherwise known as Pete Jackson, The Old Trekker, who drives for Moor Park School, Ludlow, will be taking on the challenge this September to raise money for charities including The British Heart Foundation.

Mr Jackson was inspired to take on the challenge by his children's medical conditions, with his daughter suffering from heart issues, while his son has Raynaud's Syndrome. 

Aged 76, he will be climbing Tanzania's famous dormant volcano, Mount Kilimanjaro.

"My challenge was launched at school last year, and since then I've been training every day," Mr Jackson said 

So far, his training has included scaling Snowdon, Pen-Y-Fan, and Ben Nevis, where he will be visiting again at Easter and in August. He will also be walking 31 miles of the Worcestershire Way in May with the Malvern Walking Festival.

"In between this, I'll be out with the Cleobury and Bromyard walking groups," Mr Jackson said.

Mr Jackson has launched a GoFundMe, with the aim of raising £8,000. For more information or to donate, visit www.gofundme.com/f/an-old-trekker-needs-a-bit-of-help