AN aircraft technician at RAF Leeming is hoping to raise £2,500 for Mencap after completing a gruelling Sahara Challenge last week.

Graham Orange, 31, spent a week in the African desert, where he ran half marathons and took part in 40km cycle rides.

The challenges were no mean feat at altitudes of 2,250m above sea level and temperatures which were as high as 33 degrees during the day, but fell to just two degrees at night, while the competitors camped out in the desert.

As well as the physical challenges of running, cycling and driving through the desert in extreme temperatures, the teams also had to complete mystery challenges, such as abseiling, mental agility and mountain bike time trials.

The six teams of four taking part won points for their performance at the various challenges, and his team won the overall title.

Mr Orange, from Darlington, said: "It was very hard and I would have to think carefully if I wanted to do it again, but I will never regret doing it. It was a great experience, probably a once in a lifetime experience.

"It appealed to me because it was something totally new, the altitude was a problem, that was the hardest thing, with the heat as well, and it was very cold at night, it was fairly gruelling."

So far, he has raised £1,700 for Mencap through sponsorship and other fundraising events, but he wants to increase that to £2,500.

Anyone able to make a donation is asked to contact Mr Orange on (01325) 247123.