A gruelling charity trek across the Sahara desert is set to be tackled by a Whitehaven man.

Jarred Hellon is preparing to walk 100km over five days across the Sahara, which is considered to be one of the harshest environments in the world.

The father-of-one aims to raise £1,000 for Open Arms Malawi, a charity that helps orphaned and abandoned children in Malawi. It provides much-needed medical attention, shelter, food and love to youngsters.

He is taking on the mammoth challenge after another fundraiser - much closer to home - fell through.

Jarred said: "I was meant to do the Great North Run this year but I can't do it due to work commitments. I looked to see if I could do something different that's just a bit random."

"It's just a bit spontaneous. I just like doing challenges like that. I like pushing myself. I'm quite looking forward to it. It's a goal I can work towards."

He said he hopes his challenge will inspire his 10-year-old son Max.

Jarred, of Patterdale Close, is starting to fundraise now for the challenge which is due to take place next November.

He along with a group of others will aim to walk 20km a day for five days.

"I do quite a bit of walking anyway. I will be training and doing continuous walks as well," he said.

The 42-year-old is also set to train everyday while he is working on oil rigs off the North Sea.

This will be the next big fundraiser Jarred has carried out. Three years ago he travelled to Peru to help to make a difference in the community.

He travelled to Lima to work with Cross Cultural Solutions, to work with orphans and the elderly.

"It was one of the best things that I have done". He said the trip was "significant" and has had a "long-lasting effect".

To support, search for Jarred Hellon on www.justgiving.com