BEN Boleyn completed the trip of a lifetime when he climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa.

The 18-year-old from Wall Heath spent four weeks working as a volunteer at a hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, before taking on the epic climb.

He said of the adventure: "It's the best thing I've ever done and I wouldn't have changed it for the world.

"The climb back down was the hardest bit, because there was nothing to aim for. It wasn't the most gentle of gradients and I think everyone in the party fell over at some point."

Ben, who has just finished studying at King Edward VI College, Stourbridge, hopes to pursue a career in the medical profession - and spent time helping in major surgery, emergency and maternity units at the hospital while in Tanzania before taking part in the eight-day climb.

The teenager said money raised as a result of the challenge will go to Acorns Children's Hospice in Worcester, where he is a volunteer.

He added: "I'm going to sell some of the equipment I used on eBay to raise some money. I've raised about £500 so far. But I'm going to keep the pole and backpack as momentos."

Ben can still be sponsored online through his JustGiving web page www.justgiving.com/Ben-Boleyn