A TEACHING assistant is heading to the top of the world to take on one of the most gruelling races for charity.

Dawn Metcalfe, from Stanley, in County Durham, plans to run in the Everest Marathon later this year to raise money for animal welfare charity, The Brooke.

Around 80 runners will take part in the race from Gorak Shep to Namche Bazaar, in Nepal on Friday, December 2.

The 36-year-old will first spend 15 days trekking through the Himalayas to acclimatise to the high altitude.

Ms Metcalfe, who works at Catchgate Primary School, near Stanley, became a supporter of the charity three years ago after witnessing the plight of overworked horses and donkeys during a holiday in Egypt.

She said: "I am a fell and ultra marathon runner and enter various races throughout the year.

"It has always been my dream to climb Mount Everest and this challenge will take me that one step closer to reaching the summit.

"The Brooke does great work, helping horses, donkeys and mules in the developing world, as well as showing their owners how to care for them.

"As an animal lover, I will do anything I can to support the Brooke's work."

Anyone interested in sponsoring her can do so via www.justgiving.com/dawn-metcalfe()