A GARDENING and landscaping company will be celebrating its Christmas party next month - with an African twist.

Staff from Lakeland Gardens, based in Windermere, will return to the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, climbing Mt Toubkal, the highest in Northern Africa at 4,167 metres.

Sixteen members will be setting off on February 1 for their four-day expedition to scale the peak.

Last year, nine people from the business headed to the High Atlas Mountains to climb the mountain and raised £500 for a local charity.

Next year they are returning to do it again, bigger and better.

Sam Westcott, managing director of Lakeland Gardens, said that after last year's success - they had to go again.

Mr Westcott said: “Our company has doubled in size over the last 12 months with eight new staff joining the team of gardeners and landscapers.

“The team from last year are looking forward to going back and sharing the experience with the new members of our team.

“This year 16 members of team Lakeland Gardens will be setting off on for their “Christmas Party” to scale Mt Toubkal."

He added: “We are fundraising for a local charity helping girls from the rural communities of the High Atlas Mountains get the opportunity of continuing their education beyond primary school. We are asking our lovely customers and anyone who wishes to help us reach our goal of raising £1,000 for Education For All Morocco.”

Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/teamlakelandgardens to donate.