A POLICE chief inspector is leaving the streets of West Mercia behind and heading to the Himalayas.

Chief Inspector Andy Udall, who is originally from Worcester but now lives in Telford, is preparing to trek across the mountain range this summer to raise money for Leukaemia Research and Leukaemia CARE.

He will start in the Ladakh area of northern India and finish by climbing Stok Kangri, which at 6,121 metres (20,082 ft), is the highest mountain in the Stok range.

Mr Udall said: "Four years ago I lost my father to leukaemia. He courageously battled with this illness for four years, stubbornly refusing to give in to the pain he endured during that time. His fortitude and strength of mind was a huge inspiration."

Mr Udall hopes to raise awareness of the devastating disease as well as money to help combat it.

"It will be a tough trip as the area is isolated and we will be camping in temperatures of -10C. Depending on the snow levels I may also have to use ice axes and climbing gear, which will be a first for me."

Anyone who wants to sponser Mr Udall should email him at climb4life@ westmercia.pnn.police.uk.