A STOURBRIDGE martial arts instructor hopes to pull in the pounds for a cause close to his heart by taking on another gruelling charity battle ropes challenge.

Alex Reason, chief instructor at Dan Woodruff's Academy Martial Arts, Bagley Street, Stambermill, will be staging the 'Battle Cancer - Battle Rope Challenge' (round two) this Saturday (September 17).

The challenge, taking place in Mary Stevens Park, Norton, from 2pm to 4pm, will see students from the academy trying to keep two 'battle ropes' moving continuously for two hours.

Members of the public are also invited to join in and money raised from the challenge will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Having lost relatives to cancer - Alex, aged 33, from Brierley Hill, hopes to raise awareness and as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support.

He said: "They offer such important support."

Last year's event raised nearly £700 for the charity and this time round £430 has already been pledged on an online donation page.

Alex, however, is aiming to hit the £1,000 mark upon completing the challenge.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so online at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Alex-Reason