HORSE-obsessed Halesowen schoolboy Jack Lander is set to scale new heights in a bid to to raise £20k for racing charities.

The Earls High pupil, who has already raised a staggering £30,000 for good causes, now plans to climb Kilimanjaro next summer.

The eight-day trek to summit Africa's highest mountain is the latest in a string of fundraising events masterminded by the 12-year-old schoolboy, with proceeds set to be split between Racing Welfare, Injured Jockeys Fund, Irish Injured Jockeys Fund and Racing to School.

Jack captured the hearts of the racing world, with accolades from trainers, jockeys and organisers, when aged just nine, he walked 56-miles from Stratford Race Course to Oaksey House, a rehabilitation centre in Lambourn, Berkshire, raising £13k for the jockeys' fund.

In 2017 he walked 172 miles from Newmarket Race Course to Jack Berry House in Yorkshire, raising £16k.

Jack's dad Darren Lander, aged 49, said he was inspired to start fundraising after a fall.

Darren said: "He fell from his pony when he was just seven, so that has spurred him on.

"It helped him understand what jockeys have to go though."

The former Newfield Primary pupil, of Chalfont Place, Wollescote, who aims to become a jockey, rides thoroughbred race horses to exercise them for trainers Ian Williams in Alvechurch and Tom Gretton in Inkberrow at weekends.

Darren, aged 49, who will accompany Jack, along with eight others, said: "He likes doing things at full speed but that won't be able to happen on the trek - because of the altitude he will have to take it slowly!"

Jack is appealing for firms which would be willing to sponsor the trek in exchange for having logos on clothing and for people interested in taking part. Anyone interested can e mail Darren at dazza1707@hotmail.com. To sponsor Jack money can be paid into account name Horsing Around on Kilimanjaro, sort Code: 60 93 03, account Number 14010512.