Image source, David Carruthers

A college lecturer who only began kayaking in January is taking on a 30-mile (48km) challenge later to raise funds for a mental health charity.

Christopher Lang, 33, who teaches electrical installation at Leeds City College, is paddling up the Leeds Liverpool canal.

He said he had seen how Andy's Man Club could help people.

"I'll set off from Kirkstall whatever the weather flanked by back-up supporters on foot and bike," he said.

Mr Lang will be accompanied on different sections of his trip by students, colleagues, a Leeds city councillor and the college's principal, Bill Jones - who is going to run the final 10 miles (16 km).

Image source, David Carruthers

Mr Lang began training as soon as he first set foot inside a kayak in January.

Since then weekends and evenings have been used to gain experience with special modifications made to his kayak to make it as comfortable as possible.

"We used our 3D printer to create a rudder and old car seats to make a temporary kayak seat," he said.

Speaking of his fundraising endeavours Mr Lang said: "I am a user of AMC's service myself and have been for three months.

"As soon as I started going I immediately recognised it as the sort of thing that can, and will, change society in terms of how we . Send your story ideas to yorkslincs.news@bbc.co.uk.

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