FIVE long-distance friends are taking on the country's highest peaks to raise cash for charity.

Three men from Bolton, along with two of their friends from Shropshire, are getting together to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland, Scafell Pike in the Lake District and Snowdon in Wales to raise cash for the British Heart Foundation.

Team leader Oliver Horne, from Roselea, Harwood, is taking part with Jonathan Bennett, a colleague from UPS Couriers in Irlam, and Jeffrey Bennett, who will act as the team driver, carrying them between the peaks.

The trio will be joined by Mr Horne's school friend, Russell Harthorne and his colleague at HSBC, Glynn Jones, both from Shropshire.

Mr Horne, aged 32, said: "This is new territory for us, none of us have ever done anything like this before so we are really excited about it but a bit nervous.

"We wanted to get together and do a big challenge this year. We all have different levels of fitness so we are all in training. We're all from Shropshire originally and are getting together for what will be a great weekend this summer and will help a great cause in the BHF."

The BHF Britain's Biggest Mountain Challenge will take place on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 and there are still places available.

Teams need to be made up of between four and seven walkers and will need at least one designated driver.

After registering at Fort William on the Saturday morning, the teams will begin with a trek to the summit of Ben Nevis.

From Scotland they will travel to a campsite in the Lake District for a meal and overnight stay before the early morning climb up Scafell Pike and then on to Snowdon.

For more information about the challenge call 0800 9176976 or email visit bhf.org.uk/Mountains.