A father-of-two plans to complete a “titanic” 54-mile highland trek in less than 24 hours to push his fitness to the limits and raise some money for charity.

Andrew Newby, of Birley Road, Whetstone, is taking on the Caledonian Challenge in the Scottish Highlands with four friends and colleagues next month.

The 62-year-old and his team, which has an average age of 54, will be raising money for Foundation Scotland, which helps encourage investment in poorer communities.

The men attempted the challenge once before but two of them, including Mr Newby, were forced to give up after 42 miles.

His son Dan, of Grange View Road, Whetstone, will be driving the back-up car.

Financial journalist Mr Newby said: "In a way he has the toughest task of all - driving a big car along narrow Scottish roads at the dead of night to keep us supplied with food, drink and blister plasters.”

Mr Newby will be joined by John Coppock, of Winchmore Hill and Nigel Tutt, of Camden, both of whom he used to work with at the Thomson Financial News Service, and Chris Purcell, who works for the Dow Jones.

Participants of the testing trek pay their own expenses and are expected to raise at least £300 each for the walk’s chosen charity.

Mr Newby, who has been chairman of the Barnet Green Party for the past two years, said: “We’re really looking forward to it. It’s a titanic hike – more than two marathons – over pretty rough terrain while being eaten by midges and almost certainly getting rained on.

“But it will be a lovely place to be walking. We’re hopeful all four of us will be able to finish. We’ve all been in training and we just need a bit of sponsorship to help push us on to the end.”

To contribute to Mr Newby's fundraising total, click here.