Guisborough pensioner John Hasson, 72, is planning to trek through the Himalayas as part of a trip organised by the British Heart Foundation.

The trek will take Mr Hasson from Kathmandu up to Pokhara and along the Himalayas before he ends up 1,000 feet below the base camp of Annapurna. During the 60-mile trek Mr Hasson and his fellow travellers will see most of the mountains in the range and experience two ridges.

Mr Hasson says he will probably not need to do as much training as some of his younger colleagues because he is already a fit and healthy walker who helps youngsters in Guisborough prepare their own expeditions as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

This will be the second time Mr Hasson has has taken part in a trip of this kind. A few years ago he trekked through the Atlas Mountains on behalf of the Cancer Research charity.

To take part in the Himalaya trek in November Mr Hasson has to raise £2,600 , but he has set his sights on a higher amount and wants to crack the £3,000 barrier.

Mr Hasson's fundraising got off to a good start when he stumped up the first £300. Now he is approaching businesses in Guisborough to sponsor him.

A grandfather of three, Mr Hasson is keen to support the British Heart Foundation as a couple of his friends suffering from heart problems.

"I think it is a very good thing and at least the charity is for the benefit of people in this country."

Anyone willing to help Mr Hasson with sponsorship can contact him on (01287) 634462