The Wiltshire Air Ambulance charity is encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone and take part in a trek to raise money.

The charity is organising a trek to climb Toubkal, the highest Atlas Mountain, for the third successive year.

There are places for 20 people on the trek which takes place from September 23 to 27. Each trekker is asked to raise £1,500 through sponsorship. This amount covers the cost of the trek (£515) with the remainder going to the charity.

Caroline Corrigan, head of fundraising at the charity, said: “Over the past two years this trek has raised in excess of £60,000 which has been raised by those taking part and family, friends and businesses who support colleagues. This incredible amount is greatly needed to ensure we are able to continue to cover the running costs of the helicopter.

“Last year’s trek team enjoyed sleeping out under the stars on the mountain and showering under waterfalls. It really is an amazing trek.”

The charity receives no Government funding. It has to raise £700,000 a year but by 2014 the cost will rise to £2.5 million when it expects its partnership with Wiltshire Police for the joint helicopter to end and it will have to pay for its own helicopter.

To find out more about the trek go to www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk and click on events.