Take That star, Gary Barlow has announced that he will be leading a group of his celebrity pals in a trek up the 19,340ft peak of Mount Kilimanjaro in aid of Comic Relief.

Gary told The Sun: “I went to Africa for Comic Relief 18 months ago and the images from that trip have stayed with me and made me want to do something big to make a difference and raise money.

“The other people on the climb feel similarly, so it made sense to ask them to join me.

“I have chosen the people I want to be stuck on the side of a mountain with, even if we are the least likely you would expect to find there.

“We are all nervous and are trying to fit training into our schedules but the team spirit, enthusiasm and commitment are incredible.”

The celebrities joining Gary on his trek up the the highest mountain in Africa are: Cheryl Cole, Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen, Alesha Dixon, Fearne Cotton, Ben Shephard, Ronan Keating and Chris Moyles.

Kimberley said: “Since visiting Africa with Comic Relief a year ago, I haven’t been able to forget how easy it is for someone in my position to help change the lives of poor and vulnerable people by raising money.

“When Gary approached me and Cheryl about doing the climb, I didn’t think twice.”