FUNDRAISING for a Sue Ryder hospice is reaching new heights.

Trekkers are being sought to tackle Africa's highest peak in aid of Manorlands.

The ascent of 5,895-metre-high Kilimanjaro will take place as part of a nine-day challenge.

Participants will jet out on Boxing Day and will be at the mountain summit to witness the first sunrise of 2016.

Organisers are staging the expedition in the wake of the hugely successful Nepal adventure in November, which raised nearly £80,000 for the Oxenhope hospice.

"We had 26 people take part in the Nepal trek and it was a wonderful experience – we're hoping for a strong turnout again for what should be a fantastic expedition," said senior Manorlands fundraiser, Hayley Ibbotson.

"There are individuals who tackle Kilimanjaro for us – it is a popular challenge – but this is the first time Sue Ryder has staged an organised trek. It's extremely exciting.

"We're hoping that with departure being on Boxing Day and the trip coinciding with a holiday period, more people will be able to take part.

"It's sometimes difficult for our supporters to get time off work to participate in such events, but with this one they can spend Christmas Day at home with their family and then be back in early January."

Each trekker is asked to pay a £295 registration fee and raise at least £3,250 through sponsorship.

Eighty per cent of the target figure must be achieved by October 30.

The cost of flights, accommodation and meals is included, together with a training guide and fundraising support.

All proceeds will go to Manorlands, which provides care for over 1,170 people with incurable illnesses in the Airedale, Craven and North and West Bradford areas.

It costs the hospice £2.7 million a year to maintain its services, and at least £1.6 million of that has to be found through donations and voluntary income.

As well as offering 16 in-patient beds and a day hospice service, Manorlands provides outpatient clinics in GP surgeries, a 24-hour advice service for healthcare professionals, tele-consultation enabling people to speak face-to-face with a doctor or nurse through their TV, family and bereavement support and care in people's own homes.

Group members will arrive in Moshi on December 27 and begin the trek itself the following day, heading to Machame Hut campsite.

On December 29, there will be an ascent to Shira Hut, at 3,850 metres.

And then after an acclimatisation day, the party will scale the Barranco Wall to reach Barafu, the final stop before the summit.

For further information about the trek, e-mail hayley.ibbotson@suerydercare.org, visit sueryder.org/kilimanjaro or call Miss Ibbotson in the Manorlands fundraising office on 01535 640430.