A DAD who climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in memory of his brother has broken a record by reaching the summit in just three days.

Paul Stratton, 44, from Hilperton, recently returned from his African adventure, where he managed to battle altitude and bad weather to climb the 5,895m to the top.

Most people take about six or seven days to reach the peak and Mr Stratton was delighted to complete the journey in such a short time.

He said: "It was pouring with rain so we all got very wet but I made the summit in three nights, which is a record for a fundraising climb.

"We had to leave at midnight for the last bit. We started at about 4,680m and had an uphill ascent in the dark until we reached 5895m. At sunrise it was - 25 degrees C but I was wearing five layers so I didn't feel cold.

"It felt absolutely brilliant to reach the top. When you're at the peak you're at the highest point in Africa, the roof of the world. It is the most incredible thing because you're on the equator but you're surrounded by huge glaciers. It was exhilarating."

Mr Stratton was raising money for Action for ME in memory of his brother Neil, an ME sufferer who died last year.

He has exceeded his £10,000 target already but more money will be coming in from other events.

Mr Stratton started his challenge with a shorter climb up Mount Meru, an extinct volcano in Arusha National Park, which his dad Eugene, 75, also completed.

"The idea of the first trek was to acclimatise. We did that for five days and four nights. We had to get up at midnight and climb up very rocky path," said Mr Stratton.

"We reached the peak at 7am, with lovely views across Africa and could see Mount Kilimanjaro. When we came back down we had to have an armed park ranger to protect us from the wild animals like buffalos, baboons and elephants."

Mr Stratton senior then went on safari while his son took on the challenge of Kilimanjaro where he tackled the most difficult Umbwe route, known as the whisky route. "As I was climbing I was just thinking about the support I've had from everyone," he said.

He gave a special thank you to Nigel Gifford, who runs extreme adventure company High and Wild, for his expertise and help in preparing him for the trip. On his return to Britain Mr Stratton was greeted by his proud wife Sally and their children Lee and Jemma at the airport with balloons and banners. He is collecting sponsorship on < a href="http://www.justgiving.com/paulstratton" target="_blank">www.justgiving.com/paulstratton