A SILSDEN man is taking steps – more than 1,000 of them – to raise money for charity.

Will Twigg is to climb London's iconic Gherkin building in aid of the NSPCC.

He and five work colleagues will join hundreds negotiating the stairs of the mammoth 38-floor skyscraper, which is three times the height of the Niagara Falls.

"Apparently someone completed it in five minutes last year – I don't think we'll be looking to beat that!" said Mr Twigg, 22, a sales engineer with environmental building products company Caice UK.

"I haven't done any specific training yet, but I am aiming to before the event.

"I completed a Tough Mudder a few years ago and I play golf, and I'm hoping my youth will help pull me through!"

He and workmates from the company's Reading head office are taking on the challenge on September 6.

"Someone at work suggested a while ago that we take part and a few of us agreed – it seemed a good idea at the time!" added Mr Twigg. "It will be quite a challenge but it's for a really good cause."

They have set-up an online fundraising page, at justgiving.com/CAICEgherkinchallenge, and together hope to raise £1,000.

Victoria Kellaway, the NSPCC's head of participation events, thanked the team for its support and urged others to take part.

"The Gherkin Challenge is a truly unique experience," she said. "Whether people choose to walk or run as part of a team or on their own, every step means we can help more children recover from abuse and find ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.

"Tower running continues to increase in popularity, so whether looking to beat a personal best or climb at a leisurely pace, we're encouraging anyone looking for a fun challenge to have a go and join our fight for every childhood."

Once at the top, participants will have a rare chance to take in panoramic views of the capital from the exclusive Searcy's bar – normally only open to private members – and enjoy a complimentary massage and glass of champagne.

Entry to the challenge is £20 per person or £70 for a team of four.

Visit nspcc.org.uk/gherkin for more details. Registration closes on September 1.