A LOCAL cinema manager is facing a blockbuster challenge of a lifetime, as he gears up to climb the second highest mountain in the world.

Stephen Williams is usually seen selling tickets at Tenby's local cinema, The Royal Playhouse, but later this year, on October 4, he will be donning his hiking boots and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa in order to raise money for The Fishermen's Mission Charity.

"I've never even run for a bus before," said Stephen. "The last time I did any serious exercise was in PE lessons at school, and that was 40 years ago.

"Now I am getting up at 7 am every day to go running before work.

"I've also had to knock the steak and chips on the head. I must be mad!" he laughed.

The hard work will all be worthwhile for Stephen if he succeeds in raising over £2,000 for the fishermen and their families who suffer losses at sea.

"I have already lost two stone in preparation and I am already up to 6k runs," he explained.

"I hope that shortly I can attempt a 60k walk from Tenby to Newgale and back, camping overnight in between."

The challenge which Stephen will take up on October 4, came about when one of his clients from his Limo business contacted him for a booking and went on to tell him about this challenge she was taking part in.

Keri-Ann Evans, who also lives in Pembrokeshire, was one of a party of nine preparing to climb to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, so with Stephen, it completed the group up to 10.

Well-known throughout the town for his work in and as a past president of the Rotary Club of Tenby, Stephen has been well supported by the club, as they have agreed to donate the proceeds from the Summer Spectacular raffle to the Fishermen's Mission.

Stephen has also been supported by many local businesses, such as Kiln Park Holiday Centre and Manorbier Country Park, who have both donated holidays for the Grand Summer Raffle; tickets will be available at the summer events and the parks' receptions.

"Many of the businesses in the town have also supported me with cash donations which can be seen on my webpage - http://www.justgiving.com/stephen-williams-trek,&quot">www.justgiving.com/stephen-williams-trek," he continued.

"I urge the people of Tenby to log on to the webpage and make a donation, no matter how small.

"Even a few pounds will make a huge difference and mean that The Fishermen's Mission Charity can continue their invaluable work supporting families and loved ones of the fishermen lost at sea," added Stephen.

You can sponsor Stephen by visiting his online fund-raising website page.

It is possible to pay by credit or debit card and the money will go directly to The Fishermen's Mission Charity.

Where supporters are UK taxpayers, the charity will automatically receive 28-per-cent extra in 'Gift Aid', which makes 'JustGiving' the most efficient way of sponsoring Stephen.