A LICKEY End man is preparing for a challenging walk to raise money for a team dedicated to training search and rescue dogs.

Matthew Massey, of Alcester Road, is a member of the Search and Rescue Dog Association of South Wales (SARDA) - a team of volunteers dedicated to providing dogs for search and rescue operations for the the police, mountain rescue and coastguard.

The team can be needed for various call outs, including searches for missing walkers, mountain bike riders, children and vulnerable adults.

Matthew said: "We provide assistance to those lost and missing in both upland and lowland areas.

"Our call outs can range from the high points of the Brecon Beacons National Park to the Valleys and down to the coastal cities."

Matthew is also currently training a search dog, Dyno, that will be taking part in SARDA operations.

To raise money he is taking part in the Black Mountain Roundabout challenge, a 25 mile walk across the Brecon Beacons in Wales.

The 25 miles is completed in one day and includes a climb to reach Waun Fach, the highest point in the range.

The walk has been organised by the Brecon Mountain Rescue team, and all money raised goes to SARDA.

To prepare Matthew said he had been to the Brecon Beacons twice a month, and been on training walks across the Waseley Hills with Dyno.

To make a donation to Matthew's charity challenge text SARD41 and the amount you want to give, for instance £5, to 70070.