A BUDDING film-maker with a sense of adventure is putting himself in the frame for a charity expedition.

Andrew Cheetham, of Carr Street, Ramsbottom, hopes to follow in the footsteps of Sir Ranulph Fiennes by climbing Mount Everest.

The 20-year-old former head boy at Woodhey High will join 19 climbers for the trek, which has been organised by Childreach International to help under-privileged communities.

The group will fly to Delhi on June 15, where they will take part in Childreach charity projects before travelling to Kathmandu in Nepal for a three day stay. From there they will fly to the Himalayas and start the trek to the top of the world’s highest mountain, which they hope to reach by July 8.

It has been a busy few weeks for Andrew, who is studying history at the University of Leeds and preparing a documentary about the trip.

Andrew said: “It has been hectic because I have had three exams as well as fundraising and going to London to film for the documentary, so I have had to plan each day and really balance things.

“I have been looking forward to it all year, but it has just hit me that it is actually happening.”

Andrew, a sergeant major in the Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force, was inspired to join the expedition after visiting townships in South Africa on a rugby tour with the under-16s Sedgley Park team in 2005.

He said: “I hope my trip to Nepal can help ease some of the many social and medical problems endured by so many people whose lives have been in turmoil after a decade of civil war.”

And Andrew is hoping the trip is just the start of his epic adventures.

He said: “At university I have learned TV techniques through my volunteer role as the manager of the student TV station.

“I had never even thought about making documentaries before, but I have really got into it.

“If this goes well there will be opportunities to go to Tanzania and another trip to India. I am a bit apprehensive, but I am really excited.”

It is hoped the documentary will be used in schools and universities and by the charity for promotion events.

To sponsor Andrew, call him on 07825184419 or email hy07a3c@leeds.ac.uk