A MAN from a West Devon food company has been busy raising funds for local children's charity CHICKS and recently presented the charity with a cheque for £600.

Simon Boulter from Oakhouse Foods, Tavistock, is part of the team taking part in the CHICKS Toubkal Trek, a fundraising challenge organised exclusively for CHICKS and Tavistock-based charity the Book Bus Foundation.

The team of trekkers are setting out on September 26 from London to Marrakech to conquer Mount Toubkal (4,165m) over a long weekend.

Participants will trek with the local Berber guides through high Atlas scenery, stay in a kasbah and on the final day in Marrakech visit a traditional Moroccan steam bath to recover.

Simon said: 'Taking part in the trek will be a great way to raise awareness of the fantastic work that CHICKS does for so many disadvantaged children. It's heart-warming to find that so many of our Oakhouse Foods customers also feel it is a worthy cause and have been so generous with their sponsorship so far.'

CHICKS is looking for more adventurers to join the trekking team, no previous trekking experience is required, but you do need to be prepared to get fit for the mountains.

To find out more about the trek, an information evening is being held on Tuesday, March 25 at 6pm at the VentureCo Worldwide, Lockyer House, Paddons Row, Tavistock.

Alternatively visit http://www.chicks.org.uk">www.chicks.org.uk or contact Jo on 01822 811020.