A NORTH-East man is preparing to tackle one of the world's toughest challenges.

John Davis, 25, will run the 150-mile Marathon des Sables, across the Sahara Desert, in April, in an attempt to raise £3,000 for the Mottey African Development Foundation.

The money will help extend a school in Amani, Tanzania.

Mr Davis, from Redcar, east Cleveland, will run for six days in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius.

He said: "It will be the first time I have run a marathon. I have ran half-marathons before, but I have always wanted to do something testing and I think this fits the bill."

Athletes run through the Moroccan desert, carrying their own equipment. One stage of the challenge measures between 45 and 50 miles.

Mr Davis said: "I can't wait to do it. I have been training for so long, I just want to get out and do it."

He has already raised £900 but is appealing for people to support him.

To sponsor Mr Davis, visit www.justgiving.com/jrdmds or call (01642) 482846.

There will be a fundraising coffee morning on Saturday, March 25, at Redcar United Reformed Church, from 10am to noon.