Everest conqueror Chris Brown, 59, will have his feet firmly on the ground when he raises money for charity.

The farmer, from Baldersby, near Ripon, who has raised £150,000 for people with mental illnesses, is taking centre stage at Melmbery Village Hall, near Ripon on Friday, March 31, at 7.30pm.

With the aid of slides, he will describe how he conquered seven of the world's highest peaks and successfully completed a gruelling dash across the Sahara Desert.

His presentation will boost funds for The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

A Conservative councillor on Harrogate Borough Council, where he represents Wathvale Ward, near Ripon, Councillor Brown said: "I'm backing the Duke's charity because 40 years ago, I secured a gold award under the scheme. It's a great organisation and I wanted to be part of helping them to raise £2m nationally."

Tickets for the evening, which includes supper, cost £10 and are available from 01765 640398/640220.