AFTER climbing to the base of the world's highest mountain, our reporter is preparing to summit the highest free standing mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro.

Hannah Bryan, 22, of Thirsk, will fly out to Tanzania in August to start her trek along with a group of others to raise money for Childreach International, a charity working in under privileged countries to give children the same privileges that any other child would have.

Before she embarks on the 5,895 metre trek though, Hannah will spend time working on a Childreach project in Tanzania to witness first-hand the important work that they do.

Hannah said: "I am so excited about taking on this challenge, although the nearer it gets the more nervous I am getting.

"I know it's going to be a lot harder than the trek to Everest base camp but I've been training hard and I'm looking forward to what an incredible experience it will be."

Her training regime has so far seen her complete two half-marathons and a 10K and Hannah said that she plans on going on lots of long walks and doing some climbing before the trek.

Hannah also has another challenge aside from training to be able to go on the trek. With a fundraising target of £2,650 Hannah is organising a ball to raise money for the charity.

She said: "I think the ball will be a great event but I definitely need the support of the community to help make it a success and to raise as much money as possible for Childreach.

"I'd love to be able to beat my fundraising target."

Hannah's masquerade ball will be held on Friday, June 27 at York Sports Club on Shipton Road at 7pm.

She is also looking for businesses who want to make donations to the auction of promises which will be held at the ball.