He’s spent nights up mountains and under stars around the world - but tree surgery tutor Adam Williams has never attempted anything like his latest challenge.

For the 48-year-old Denby Dale thrillseeker is currently suspended high in the branches of a sweet chestnut tree - spending two days and nights 48ft in the air.

Adam and his colleague Matt Metcalf, both tree surgery apprenticeship instructor at Askham Bryan College near York, decided to take on the unusual challenge to raise money for charity.

They chose Yorkshire Air Ambulance in memory of Thurstonland tree surgeon Martin Hanks, who died last April in a freak tree-felling accident near Barnsley.

Adam said: “Martin was a good friend of mine. Yorkshire Air Ambulance tried to help him but they couldn’t save him.

“People who work in this industry also rely quite heavily on the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so we wouldn’t want to be without them.”

Matt relaxing in the suspended chair

Adam and Matt climbed the huge tree yesterday teatime, armed with two platforms they made themselves; cooking equipment and food; a hanging chair and tarpaulins.

Adam said: “We’ll probably be be reading and playing games on our phones. We are just going to sit there and wait it out - there’s not a lot else you can do up a tree!

“We have rigged up platforms which we’ll use for sleeping and we have air mattresses and tarpaulins to sleep under so if it rains we can stay dry.

“We have to feed ourselves so we’ve got bacon and sausage sandwiches for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, and as we’re up here for two nights we’re cooking a chilli and a curry on a camping stove. We’re not just going to be eating Pot Noodles!”

See pictures of the treetop "home" being assembled!

Adam said the tree had to be carefully selected for its strength and size as well as being disease free with no cavities.

Although it’s the perfect tree to spend 48 hours in, the location leaves a lot to be desired - as it’s growing next to the college zoo!

Adam said: “The tree is right next to some very noisy parrots - it’s very close to the cage, so at 4am it’s going to be great!”

The pair will be climbing down from their adventure at 3pm on Thursday.

Adam added: “Climbing trees is not a problem for us I’ve never slept in one before - this will be a good challenge!”

Sponsor Adam and Matt here: https:// www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mat-Metcalfe