AN ex-serviceman who fought in the Army for 26 years is taking on his next challenge by climbing Mount Everest for charity.

Rob Brittle, 49, from Orford will be travelling to Nepal on Thursday, March 28 to begin the climb.

He will be raising money for Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity dedicated to supporting bereaved British Forces children and young people.

Rob, who will celebrate his 50th birthday during the climb, said: "I spent 26 years in the Army and I always had the ambition of climbing to Everest base camp but never did it.

"As I am ex forces myself I look back at my past deployments and think how my daughter would have felt if anything would have happened to me.

"I believe this is an important charity as these children have no idea what happens or why their parent goes away and don't really understand why they don't come back."

Scotty’s Little Soldiers offers activities, holidays and gifts to children at difficult times of the year along with professional counselling and activity and educational grants.

Rob, who stopped serving in 2011, is hoping to raise £2,000 to allow the charity to continue its vital work.

To donate, visit Rob's JustGiving page.