A Norwich hairdresser has raised thousands of pounds for a cancer charity after climbing one of the highest peaks in the world.

Kirsty Hanford, who lives in Unthank Road, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro from September 15 and reached the summit on September 20.

The 22-year-old was part of a group which raised �111,000 for Macmillan cancer support.

'It was amazing. You can do as much research as you can but it doesn't prepare you,' she said. 'After the first day we were exhausted.

'I loved every moment of it but it was the hardest thing I have ever done.'

To help raise extra funds before she went to Africa, Miss Hanford wore a ghoulish Avatar costume to work.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa standing at 5,895m (19,341ft) above sea level.

Miss Hanford added: 'I am really pleased I did it. If I could do it again I would.'