An accountant who is set to take on some of the world's best triathletes next month is raising funds for a Norfolk search and rescue team.

Graham Bainger will be competing at the World Triathlon Championships in Auckland, New Zealand, on October 22.

The event will see the 60-year-old from Taverham swim 1,500m, cycle 40km and run 10km.

He will be representing Great Britain in the 60 to 64 age group.

Through competing, the tax accountant, who is a director at LEES chartered accountants, is hoping to raise funds for and awareness of Norfolk Lowland Search and Rescue (NORSLAR).

The charity is made up of an army of volunteers who are trained in search and rescue techniques and assist the police with looking for missing people. They provide a 24-hour, seven days a week service.

Mr Bainger, who joined the charity as a search member eight months ago, said: 'The charity is basically Norfolk's equivalent of mountain rescue without the mountains. It is not a big charity but like all local charities is very short of funds for equipment, owing to the current recession.

'If I can raise some money for the charity then it can go towards equipment that's desperately needed, such as lighting or communication devices.'

Mr Bainger first got involved with the charity after a friend made him aware of the organisation. He decided to become a volunteer in a bid to 'help make a difference'.

When he competes at the age group world championships, it will be his first taste of international competition.

The member of Norwich-based triathlon club Tri-Anglia, who will be going to New Zealand with his wife Carol, said: 'I'm very excited. I started triathlon five years ago and never expected to be competing for Great Britain. It's still feels a bit unreal.'

Mr Bainger will be joined by other Tri-Anglia members taking part in the championships, including Rebecca Horne, Kate Scotter, Jonathan Davies and Iain Dawson.

To find out more about NORSLAR, go to www.norlsar.org.uk. To donate, text NSAR12 �2/�5/�10 to 70070. For example, NSAR12 �5.