A WEST Devon man has helped to bring clean water and sanitation to those in need after trekking in mountainous terrain for six days to raise thousands of pounds for WaterAid.

Sixty-six-year-old Ian Gasper, from Whitchurch, recently returned from a challenging trek in the Simien Mountains in Ethiopia with a group of 13 others, all with the same motivating force — to raise as much money as possible to allow people in remote villages in Ethiopia access to clean water, proper latrines and improved sanitation.

Ian and his wife Jan volunteered in Ethiopia six years ago, living in the country for two years.

The couple do a lot to raise money for WaterAid and Ian said he saw the trek was happening and thought he would give it a go.

'The trek was amazing — it was pretty awe inspiring,' Ian said.

'The six-day trek involved climbing up to 4,400 metres and gave access to some truly spectacular scenery and unusual wildlife. Daytime temperatures were up to 37c while at night this went down to -5C — a huge contrast which, on top of the high altitude which certainly hindered breathing, made for a considerable test of fitness and stamina.'

During the trek, the team visited one of the WaterAid projects in Northern Ethiopia.

Formerly, villagers had to travel a considerable way twice a day to collect water, taking time out of school and work to do so and sharing the source with cattle.

Now the village, with WaterAid support, has been able to build a system to protect its spring and pipe its now clean and safe water to the heart of the community.

Ian said: 'Families and livestock had separate collection points; hygiene and sanitation had both improved and villagers had set up a small committee to oversee the facilities and were training individuals in the operation and maintenance of them.

'Seeing the project was really good.

'For quite a small amount of money, they can do a lot for utilising water and sanitation. They had made real progress.'

Ian himself collected more than £2,500 for WaterAid but between the team of 13, they raised between £40,000 and £50,000.

Ian expressed thanks to everyone who supported him and helped him to raise the money.