A SELF-PRONOUNCED 'car-man' is to don his walking boots and hit the trail to raise cash for charity.

Graham Smith, of Burley-in-Wharfedale - who hitherto travelled only on four wheels - is to tackle a 16-day trek to the Everest Base Camp.

The company chairman took on the challenge to raise cash for children's charity, NSPCC, after a village dance in its benefit was cancelled.

Mr Smith said: "My wife raises money for the NSPCC. They had a big hole in their fundraising.

"The charity was looking for volunteers to do this so I put myself forward."

To ready himself for the long-haul hike Mr Smith, of Moor Lane, has been forced to rediscover the joys of Shanks's pony.

He is now more likely to be seen in his walking gear than behind the wheel.

He said: "I have been walking up and down Ilkley and Burley Moor. I have also been going to the gym quite regularly."

Mr Smith's change of pace seems to have surprised even himself.

He said: "I was a 50-year-old businessman, who was not very fit. I was a definite car-man."

Mr Smith will join 25 other volunteers on an adventure, which will begin in Kathmandu.

From the Sherpa village of Lukla they will hit the ever ascending Gokyo trail, acclimatising to the high altitude and nightly below -zero temperatures.

To reach the Everest Base Camp the intrepid trekkers must skirt the largest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumba.

Mr Smith said: "This trip is a once in a lifetime opportunity and a great personal challenge for me. The money I raise will help fund a range of NSPCC projects, helping to keep children safe from harm and abuse."

Mr Smith has funded the trip himself and is not looking for sponsorship.

Anyone interested in finding out about other ways of raising money for the NSPCC should telephone Diane Smith on (01943) 864878.