A Blackburn who lost his arm to cancer is leading a team of Rovers fans attempting to reach the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Warren Wolstencroft will be the third arm amputee from the UK to attempt the climb when he sets off next month.

He is also just the seventh arm amputee ever recorded in the world to try to complete the 19,335ft trek through the Tanzanian jungle to the snow-tipped summit.

The father-of-one, 32, will set off on July 5 from Manchester to become one of the 25,000 people per year who try the feat.

Warren, who lives with wife, Emma, 26, and four-year-old daughter Bethany, in Oozehead Lane, Blackburn, had his hand and forearm amputated in 2000.

Now in remission from bone cancer, the retired Queen's Lancashire Regiment medic is in training to fulfil one of his lifelong ambitions.

He will lead Rovers fans Piers Lawson-Brown, of Norwich, Martin Hoyle, of Blackburn, David Clare, of South Shields and Fergus Slade, of Nottingham.

The team will be taking Rovers shirts to donate to an African children's home in the run-up to the climb.

They will spend 17 days on the trip including travelling time and rest days with a total of nine days on the climb.

Warren said: "It it one of those things I said I'd do in my lifetime.

"Now I am an arm amputee it makes it an even bigger and better challenge.

"I have been training going to the gym twice a week and I play for Blackburn Rovers Supporters' Team so I hope I've done enough to prepare.

"I am really looking forward to it. I just decided that this year was time and asked who wanted to join me and that was it."

The Kilimanjaro Charity Expedition Team will be reaching the summit via the Barafu route, sometimes referred to as the Whiskey Route for it is to be savoured'.

The trek costs £1,000 each and a further £700 for flights.

Equipment was sponsored by camping firm Komperdell and Wynnster and handheld GPS manufacturer Megellan.

To sponsor the team visit the website at www.kilimanjaro-expedition.com