Former SPICE GIRLS star MELANIE CHISHOLM is celebrating after completing a gruelling five-day boating trip along Africa's Zambezi river for charity.

The singer joined British actress Chelsee Healey, comedian Jack Dee and DJ Greg James on the 68-mile (109.4-kilometre) journey, during which they faced the threat of crocodiles, hippos and terrifying rapids.

Within days of setting out, the group suffered a potential disaster when Chisholm had to be plucked from the water after her boat capsized, but on Friday the triumphant trekkers reached their destination.

They announced their success by posting a photograph on Twitter.com showing them holding their oars aloft with delight, alongside the message, "After five long days, team Zambezi have done it!!"

The group took part in the BT Red Nose Challenge: Hell And High Water to raise cash for the Comic Relief charity.