AFTER months of preparation and training, 12 young people and three leaders from the Tavistock Adventure Group successfully completed their ultimate challenge.

The group, part of Devon Youth Services, went on Monday, July 28 to climb Snowdon in Wales, Scafell Pike, in England, and Ben Nevis in Scotland in three consecutive days — returning home on Friday, August 1.

Despite wind, rain and almost zero visibility on all three mountains, the group returned at the end of the week after 19 hours of mountaineering and 1,400 miles of travelling, having achieved their goal.

Richard Walker, one of the three leaders who took part in the challenge, said: 'Undeterred by four early morning starts, midges and continuous soaking, the team managed to maintain great enthusiasm and humour for the entire week, which saw the task through and looks set to raise at least £1,000 for the ShelterBox Disaster Relief charity.'

The youngsters who took part were Tom Ludwig, Tom Tosdevin, Tom Ball, Bob Finbow, Josh Hughes, Jack Quinn, Ivan O'Shea, Chris Hull, Jonathan Perkins, Callum Thomas, Becky Stone and Luke Hilton-Pierce. The three leaders were Jonathan Scott, Richard Walker and Linda Squires.