The manager of a Gorleston shop has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise more than £5,000 for a children's charity, as well as to scatter the ashes of a lifelong friend.

Nancy Rouse, 47, manager of the Magdalen Way Barnardo's charity shop, enjoyed the once in a lifetime feat; which followed an 11-hour flight from Heathrow to Kenya, then a one hour flight to Tanzania, and a five hour trek to base camp.

The mother-of-two spent the last few months getting herself into shape and fitness for the African expedition which she undertook with fellow trekkers of the Adventure Group.

She raised money for Barnardo's and scattered the ashes of her friend who died earlier this year. She and Jeanette Charity, also known as Netty, had been close friends since they were 11 years old with Jeanette dying in January this year.

It was one last adventure with her friend, said Nancy who chose to scatter the ashes on Kilimanjaro because her friend loved both nature and animals.

Ahead of her climb she said: 'I've worked for Barnardo's for 18 years, starting as a volunteer and single mother, and with their support I'm now a manager.

'Barnardos have supported me through some tough times and I would love the opportunity to show my appreciation by climbing 5,895m , to reach Kilimanjaro's summit.

'It would be super if I could raise the money for Barnardo's and support the great work barnardos do for children.'

Her sons, Connor, 21, and Mitchell, 23, said they were extremely proud of her for undertaking the adventure which hoped to raise £6,000 for Barnardo's.

In the run up to the trek, and helped by friends, family and co-workers she has held a variety of fundraisers, from quiz nights to raffles and a fancy dress charity collection.

As of Tuesday morning she had raised £5,021 towards her £6,000 goal.

The minimum sponsorship for her to undertake the charity feat was £4,400.

Barnardo's is a charity that helps care for vulnerable children and young people and is currently one of the UK's largest children's charities.

Any donations can be made by visiting her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nancy-rouse