TWO die-hard football fans are putting their soccer rivalry on hold and attempting to climb Africa's largest mountain to raise money for old people in Ilkley.

Sheffield United fan Geoff Hill, of Kings Road, Ilkley, is joining forces with Wednesday supporter Roger Lomas to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

And the two retired bank officials - both season ticket holders - are being sponsored by the

opposing Sheffield teams.

The pair will pay the full cost of the trip themselves but are hoping that through sponsorship their seven-day climb will raise hundreds of pounds for elderly folk in Ilkley via the Age Concern charity.

Mr Hill, 52, who originally hails from Sheffield, said: "We've had lots of support so far particularly from Midas Games, the shirt sponsors for Sheffield United. We are hoping that Ilkley

businesses will also support this fundraising to benefit Ilkley people.

"Our real aim is to get the shirts of United and Wednesday to the summit, but because altitude sickness could well be a problem we have agreed that if one of us has to turn back, the other will carry on with both shirts."

At just under 20,000 feet, Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the two men can expect to experience six different climate zones throughout their climb.

The adventurous footie fanatics set off from Sheffield on March 9 but will be back in time to resume their rivalry for the Wednesday v United derby match on April 1.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Mr Hill can contact him via the Ilkley Gazette office, on 8 Wells Road, Ilkley.