INTREPID adventurer and teacher Steve Hill scaled the heights of North Africa's highest mountain as he conquered his 12th challenge in pursuit of his fundraising and bucket list dreams.

Shaw's St Joseph's RC Primary School deputy head, Steve, spent his half term acclimatising in Morocco before embarking on the 4,167 metre climb up Mount Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains.

After a spot of sightseeing in Marrakech he travelled to the Imlil Valley to do a practise trek, climbing 2,500 metres before scaling Mount Toubkal - of course carrying a haul of good luck messages and mascots from his Year 6 class.

Geographically it was a far cry from the Arctic Circle where Steve took on the brutal Ice Ultra Marathon 12 months ago.

But climate wise it wasn't poles apart - two foot of snow fell on the journey and it was -10 degrees at the summit.

"The whole week has been an amazing experience. It's been another great adventure spending time in the High Atlas Mountains and getting the opportunity to summit the highest mountain in North Africa whilst raising money for our Charities this year - Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Milly's Smiles, the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Chernobyl Children's Lifeline and our school PTA.

"I'm looking forward to sharing this adventure with my awesome Year 6 class back at school who are always a great source of encouragement and motivation for me in the build up to my challenges. They always throw themselves 100 per cent into our fundraising efforts."

Steve has yet again been invited to accompany Prince Edward in presenting Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards to a host of outstanding young people from across the north at St James Palace.

He was given the honour last year with Paul Griffiths, DofE Operations Manager, in the North of England saying: “Steve Hill has made quite an impact in Oldham schools and the wider community of Oldham. He is quite an inspiration, all his challenges are done to inspire young people to think big and aim high."