A Mearns businessman aiming to turn musher and drive a team of huskies 250km across the Arctic for charity is on course for his fund-raising target thanks to a sled-load of donations.

Alec Wood of St Cyrus hopes to raise £3000 from his Lapland challenge for Quarriers, a Scottish charity that has helped thousands of vulnerable families by providing practical care and support.

He sets off for Tromso in Norway—and the start of his adventure—in March and has received £800 in donations.

A manufacturer of bespoke kitchens and bedrooms Alec (61) suffers from chronic arthritis and recently underwent surgery on both ankles.

But he needed a goal to help him through his physiotherapy programme to re-build his leg muscles, and he could realise a dream at the same time as raising money for Quarriers.

He has wanted to try dog sledding since a trip to Alaska some years ago.

He is confident that the spectacular Arctic landscape will compensate for the hardship of surviving in a frozen wasteland.

The trail will take him over mountains 800 metres above sea level, through wintry forests and the famous Isdalen ice valley in Norway before his stamina is tested across miles of frozen lakes.

In Sweden, the homeland of the Sami or reindeer people—where the sun does not set until 9pm—there is also the promise of watching the Aurora Borealis before he and his dogs bed down.

Family and friends have helped organise a soup and sweet day in St Cyrus village hall on Saturday with side stalls and a pair of huskies in attendance.

Backing Alec’s effort, food ingredients manufacturer Macphie of Glenbervie has donated rolls and cakes.

Well-known former owner of the Nova Suite in Brechin, Joan Keith, has also stepped in to help fund-raising by organising a concert by The Jacks at the venue.

It has been eight years since the band, formerly known as Colorado, performed in Angus so the concert on November 15 will be a chance for local fans to get re-acquainted with their live music.

In a final push to boost funds before the month is out, a bingo night will be held in St Cyrus hall on November 29.