OUR Sparkle campaign is set to reach new heights this summer when a Gwent walker scales the country's highest mountain to raise money for the appeal.

Jason Dury, aged 31, will climb Ben Nevis in Scotland over the August bank holiday weekend in a sponsored climb.

The field sales executive from Risca came up with the idea after visiting the Argus offices in Newport.

He said: "When I asked about the appeal I wanted to do something to help. I was going on a holiday to Scotland in the summer, so thought it would be a good idea to climb Ben Nevis and raise money for Sparkle in the process."

Mr Jury has now started training for the trek to the summit, which will take him to 4,409 feet (1,344 metres) above sea level.

"I have started doing a lot of hill walking on Pen-y-Fan mountain (in the Brecon Beacons) and some general running in preparation. I do quite a lot of walking but have never done anything like this before," he said.

Thanks to the committed fundraising and donations from Argus readers we have raised an amazing £10,000 every month since the appeal was launched in December.

We are aiming to raise £250,000 towards a £6 million centre for disabled children in Newport, south Monmouthshire and Torfaen.