AN Ilkley man is feeling on top of the world after climbing the highest mountain in Africa to raise money for old people in the town.

Geoff Hill, 52, of Kings Road, along with pal Roger Lomas, 50, made it to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro - which stands at almost 20,000 feet - wearing the football shirts of their favourite rival teams, Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United.

The two men, both retired bankers and originally from Sheffield, got to the summit on the little known Rongai route, which involved a five-day trek over rugged terrain followed by an eight-hour midnight climb in sub zero temperatures.

"It was without doubt the hardest thing either of us has ever done and the sheer physical effort is made much worse by the lack of oxygen," said Mr Hill.

"At that altitude there is only 50 per cent of the oxygen we are used to so every step was a real effort.

"It was worth it though because the mountain is really beautiful and the summit area is covered with snow and massive icefields and glaciers of blue ice. The view from the top is incredible." Mr Hill expects the climb, part of a programme of events in aid of old people's charities in Ilkley, to raise more than £4,000.

"Sponsorship monies are still being received and anyone else with sponsorship forms can forward them to me," he said.

After his mammoth hike, Mr Hill's next fundraising events should be slightly less exhausting. He is organising a disco at the Crescent Hotel in May and a car boot sale with the help of Ilkley Grammar School.

For more information, contact him on (01943) 602231.