TWO North-East men are planning an African expedition in aid of a national leukaemia charity.

GP Peter Jones and leisure and planning consultant Geoff Hughes, of Sedgefield, County Durham, hope to travel to Africa in March to scale Mount Kilimanjaro in six days.

But to take part in the climb they must raise at least £3,150 sponsorship each to donate to the Anthony Nolan Trust, which works for leukaemia sufferers.

An African theme night at The Dun Cow Inn, in Sedgefield, on Wednesday, January 26, will kickstart the fundraising.

Dr Jones and Mr Hughes are no strangers to challenges in aid of the charity - in 2002 they cycled 450 miles across Mexico, raising about £10,000.

The Mayor of Sedgefield, Councillor Jim Wayman, will donate part of his mayoral charity appeal to their effort.

Mr Hughes said: "We hope to raise at least £6,000 towards the charity as well as our own commitment of £1,000 towards the expedition."

Tickets for the theme night, which starts with an African cocktail at 7.45pm followed by dinner at 8.15pm and a charity auction, costs £25 and includes a four-course meal and a donation to the trust.

To sponsor the pair and for information, contact Mr Hughes at 36 Spring Lane Sedgefield TS21 2DG, or call him on (01740) 620928.