THE chairman of Altrincham Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for one of the world’s toughest ultra marathons.

Tony Collier is tackling the Comrades race - which covers a gruelling 56-mile route in South Africa, between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

Experienced runner Tony has previously completed 12 marathons, including the six 'marathon majors' - but he says this is his biggest challenge.

He is hoping his efforts on May 31 will swell the coffers of his usual charity, the Children's Adventure Farm Trust.

Tony, aged 58, said: “The Comrades has a strict 12 hour cut off time, the route climbs 6,500 feet and descends 4,000 feet and the temperature could be as hot as 30c.

"Apart from that, it’s a piece of cake!

“My firm MBL, chartered accountants, has supported CAFT for six years and helped raise nearly £40,000. My aim is to raise another £10,000 by taking on this challenge.”

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/tonycollier4caft.

Millington-based CAFT provides a variety of programmes for terminally ill, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the North West.