Newport businessman Andrew Thomas, of AF Thomas, is planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro with 12 others in February.

The team are hoping to raise £10,000 for The Sparkle Appeal, a children’s charity based in Rogerstone which cares for children with terminal illness and learning difficulties.

Mr Thomas and his team are holding a gala dinner event on October 19, which will feature singer in Bruce Johnson, who is travelling from America to sing free of charge for the charity.

The event will be held at the Holiday Inn at the Coldra, Newport.

Other businesses taking part in the climb are Yellow Dragon UVPC Repairs & Locksmiths, Watkins & Gunn Solicitors, Pegasus Whirlpool Baths LTD, Switched On, The Best of Newport & Torfaen, Tig Bidmead Massage Therapist, Summerhill Vets, Nigel Davies Accountants and The Screen Fix.