Michael and Samson the Border Collie cross will hike Ben Nevis to raise money for rescue centre in Hurst

Michael Vickers and Sammy the Border Collie cross are preparing themselves for the mountainous hike in Fort William to fundraise for Diana Brimblecombe Animal rescue centre in Hurst.

Man's best friend Sammy was adopted by Michael two and a half years ago from the rescue centre and the duo have never spent a day apart since.

Michael said: "The centre has played a major part in the relationship I have with my best friend and I've felt in debt to them. I thought of this trip and it is the perfect way I can help them."

The 35-year-old takes his dog on long walks regularly and have walked the Lake District and even took a train ride to Windsor where they walked all the way to Marlow along the River Thames.

The groundsman added: "We live a pretty active life, I work on an estate in Windsor and Sammy is by my side all day every day.

"I suppose his name should really be shadow as we spend so much time together. I changed jobs just over six months ago and Samson is on my CV as we come as a double act."

The dynamic duo are set to take on the Lake District on April 28 and from there trek to Snowdonia for four days and 'test' themselves.

And later in the year they will take on their most gruelling effort to date when they attempt to scale Ben Nevis.

The Diana Brimblecombe Animal Rescue Centre relies on funding and donations. As a small non-profit organisation, the rescue centre have to pay out vet bills, food and the cost of the facility therefore fundraising schemes are always helpful to keep the centre going.

The Windsor man added: "Rehoming is very important. There are so many animals out there that have found there way into rescue centres and mostly due to no fault of their own.

"Some may need a little more time and patience but the rewards of giving them a loving home and seeing them enjoy life again is one of the best feelings going."

Visit: http://bit.do/eE4vb to donate to their fundraising page.