An intrepid Cumbrian mountain rescuer is nearing the end of his daunting 15-hour Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge.

After setting off at 5am today from Pooley Bridge, Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team member John Fletcher, 55, is making impressive progress as tackles the fundraiser, which will see him run 48 miles, ascend 1,700ft and cross 30 summits.

It's all to raise money for his rescue team.

In a series of Facebook posts, his fellow team members have been closely monitoring his progress.

A short time ago, they reported that he was 45 minutes ahead of schedule.

On his Justgiving page, John writes: "Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team has been assisting people in the western fells of the Lake District for over 50 years.

"The team covers England’s highest mountain, Scafell Pike and respond to over 100 calls a year. They are all volunteers who give their time to help those in need, whatever the weather, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The team is a charity that relies on voluntary donations.

"I am a team member and on Saturday August 15 I will be aiming to complete the Joss Naylor Lakeland Challenge - running 48 miles, climbing 17000 feet over 30 fell summits to raise funds for the team. This challenge will take me from Pooley Bridge in the northern Lake District back to Greendale in Wasdale.

"It’ll be tough so please help if you can!"

You can find out more online about the fundraising effort, and support it by going to https://www.justgiving.com/J-Fletcher6

So far, John's fundraiser had attracted more than £1,320 in donations, easily exceeding the original £500 target.

You can also follow John's efforts on the rescue team's Facebook page.

Just search for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team.