A STOURBRIDGE businessman is training hard to take on the longest wall in the world after recovering from a knee operation.

Gary James, joint owner of Alcomet Ltd in Kingswinford is doing the walk to raise money for the NSPCC.

Last January Mr James had an cartilage operation and after feeling like it hadn't been successful went for a second opinion.

The surgeon told Gary if he didn't have second operation then he would need a total knee replacement which is extremely unusual for people under the age of 50.

After several months of having a metal frame screwed in his leg Gary decided he needed a goal to aim for and spur on his recovery.

He said: "I thought it would be a good idea to raise money for charity and chose the NSPCC as they do a good cause."

Gary will be doing the trek with a team of 31 organised by a company called Charity Challenge and will be giving up his own holiday time to take part in the event.

The group will be in China for 12 days and are planning to walk over 3,000 miles of the wall in ten days, starting on May 12.

Although still receiving physio on his knee Gary is training hard in the gym every day before work to prepare for the trek.

He added: "I hope to raise as much money as possible and it will be a life experience and make new friends."

Gary is hoping to raise over £3,000 for the NSPCC.

Anyone wishing to make a sponsor Gary can through www.justgiving.com/gaj.