A GROUP of Tavistock friends have completed the 'Three Peaks Challenge' and raised a mountain of cash for charity.

Steve Tripp, Mark Biggadike, Steve Rush, Tim Haimes, Matt Neale, Alex Les, Andy Lawrence and their driver Steve Hemsil aimed to walk the 'big three' — Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon — within a 24 hour time limit that included travel time.

Despite a delay in Scotland that meant an additional hour and a half travel time between Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike, the group completed the challenge in a time of 23 hours and 14 minutes.

The group have chosen four charities —Children's Hospice South West, Cancer Research, Children's Ward at Derriford and Meningitis Trust and hope to reach a total of £2,000.

Steve Tripp said: 'Although we had all trained for this challenge in different ways, it was tough going at times and what we hadn't accounted for was the stress and strain and our legs and knees on the descents.'  

'Many thanks to all our friends and families that have supported us during our challenge and watch this space for the next one!'