A fitness fanatic battled through obstacles in the baking desert heat to take on the world’s toughest fitness challenge for charity.

Sean Williams, from Rishton, travelled to Las Vegas to compete in the World’s Toughest Mudder and was ranked in the top 100 in the world.

The gruelling 24-hour obstacle event saw Sean cover miles of rough terrain through sandstorms, freezing temperatures and 40mph winds.

Competitors must take on 330 obstacles including electrical wires and a 35-foot cliff jump into Lake Las Vegas in a bid to find the toughest man and woman on the planet.

Fitness instructor Sean, 25, said the notorious event was the hardest thing he has ever done.

He said: “It had everything - fire, water, electricity, heights. Then in the desert itself there were snakes and scorpions. It really was like hell on earth.

“It was a crazy thing to do. I was hoping to complete 50 miles but I managed 25 within six and a half hours. I carried on through the sandstorm until about midnight but I couldn’t see anything.”

Sean eventually finished in 87th place.

He added: “I’m pleased with it now but I was very disappointed at the time because I had to stop. My whole body was drained.

“It was horrific. The adrenaline just keeps you going. The 35ft cliff jump into a massive lake was the worst. The first time I jumped in I didn’t even think and hit my hand hard against the water.”

Competitors taking part in the challenge faced even more difficult conditions than expected when temperatures dropped from 26 degree desert heat to -6 degrees.

Of the 1,200 people taking part, 800 dropped out.

But despite the severe conditions, former soldier Sean managed to raise £1,100 for Help For Heroes and hopes to take part again next year and do even better.

He said: “Thinking back to it I know I’m capable of doing it again.

“It’s all about your perception and thoughts. I want to inspire others to have determination and not to give up.”

As part of his intensive training, Sean ran the equivalent of a marathon at night from his home on St Charles Road to Manchester without ever having completed a marathon before.

Sean is currently ranked third of the UK Toughest Mudder champions. He will feature in a BBC documentary about his training in February.

To sponsor Sean email northwestpt89@hotmail.co.uk