A church curate has set out on a dizzying challenge to climb the equivalent height of Mount Everest by walking up and down his church's tower.

The Rev Craig Bentley, curate at St Mark’s in Natland, is working towards ascending the church’s tower 500 times to support the work of the church and the International Nepal Fellowship.

After two postponements due to lockdown, the ex-RAF police dog handler got out of the blocks at the weekend to begin his exhausting mission.

And, on Wednesday, he reached 300 ascents.

“It’s going really well,” said the curate, Mr Bentley.

“I’m trying to do about 80 a day and hopefully I’ll do the last 10 just before this week’s 10am Sunday service.

“So, I’ll do my last 10 climbs and then go straight into the service – if my legs still work.

“I’ve got sore thighs and calves which is what you’d expect.”

Amazingly, the curate has so far raised just over £4,000 and the money will be split equally between the church and the International Nepal Fellowship.

“The support and generosity from people has been incredible,” he said.

“Today alone, St Mark’s Primary School gave me a pack of Twix to keep me going.

“And one of the ladies from the congregation gave us a tub of homemade scones with some jam and clotted cream.

“The hope is that by the end of the challenge we’ll have £2,500 for the church and £2,500 for INF.

“If we can get that it would be absolutely incredible.

“The generosity has been overwhelming.

“I’ve got 200 left; we’ll get there.”

The curate, Mr Bentley, is being sponsored by David Willan Quality Fresh Foods, J.G. Mason and Son, Brewin dolphin, Crosby Granger Architects and Quiggin’s, who have supplied him with the sweet treat to keep his energy levels up.

People can keep track of progress on the St Mark’s Facebook page, where he is streaming live for every 100 ascents reached.

If you would like to support Crazy Craig’s Everest Challenge visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/thecrazyclimbingcurate?