A SISTER and brother, who each play for Tavistock sporting teams, have scaled Britain's highest mountain to raise money for a children's charity.

Jemma McKenzie, aged 15 and Ben, aged 13, have scaled the mighty Ben Nevis in Scotland (4,409 feet), to raise a mountain of cash, £,2,000, for North Devon Hospice.

The pair, who live in Pyworthy, near Holsworthy, are members of Tavistock sporting community — Jemma plays for Tavyside Badminton and Ben is a playing member of Tavistock Rugby Club junior section.

Together with their elder cousin, Paul McKenzie, they successfully climbed up and descended Ben Nevis on Jemma's 15th birthday.

Their proud parents Phil and Sharon told the Times: 'The weather conditions on the day were bleak and testing, with very low visability — 10 metres maximum. They were walking on two metres of frozen ice.

'There was fresh snowfall from the day before and temperatures of -12 degrees.

'They had real problems to follow markers but we were so pleased that their cousin Paul was the man to be with them for guidance!'

The challenge took the intrepid pair and Paul nine hours to complete. Unfortunately their reward of a 'nice cup of tea' at the summit just did not happen as it was way too cold! After some very quick photos they were on their way back down!

Phil and Sharon said: 'We are all extremely proud of their achievement and are pleased to be able to say that their efforts have raised more than £2000 for the North Devon Hospice Longhouse Appeal in Holsworthy.

'Many thanks for all your support and local sponsorship.'