A WEB-DESIGNER'S concern over the plight of the orangutan saw him climb Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for their protection.

Antony Howlett, 24, from Loughton scaled the 6,000 metre mountain in aid of the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), after he saw a wildlife programme on the BBC.

He said: “I was an avid follower of the BBC series Orangutan Diary. I wanted to do something to help, before we lose these amazing animals for ever. When I reached out to touch the signpost at Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, I felt extremely exhilarated and also slightly emotional.”

Antony’s ascent of Africa’s tallest mountain began with a slow walk through the rainforest, where he spotted the tail tips of shy colobus monkeys.

“The toughest part of the climb for me was the final few hundred meters to reach the lip of the volcano,” he said.

“The air is so thin at that altitude, every step becomes difficult and your heart feels like it wants to explode out of your chest."

Antony's efforts saw him raise £536 for WSPA, which helps fund the world's largest orangutan sanctuary, in Borneo.

He is still collecting donations at justgiving.com/kilimanjaro-2009.